Funding Notice: Solar Energy Evolution and Diffusion Studies 4 (SEEDS 4)

— DOE announced selected projects for the SEEDS 4 funding program on Jun. 4, 2024. —

FOA number: DE-FOA-003226
Link to apply: Apply on EERE Exchange
FOA Amount: $7,000,000

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) announced the Solar Energy Evolution and Diffusion Studies 4 (SEEDS 4) funding opportunity, which will award up to $7 million for social science research that generates actionable insights that can improve large-scale solar (LSS) siting processes and outcomes for host communities as well as the solar industry and other stakeholders. These insights will help enable deployment of large-scale solar energy. 

Siting LSS projects is a complex process that requires stakeholders to consider many factors including zoning, economic opportunities, environmental impacts, and community character and aesthetics. Understanding the social dynamics of LSS siting is critical to develop innovative practices that produce benefits for host communities and facilitate deployment. Research supported by this funding opportunity will study community acceptance and opposition, permitting and land use planning processes and outcomes, and community impacts related to LSS deployment. 

SETO expects to make about four to six awards under the SEEDS 4 funding opportunity announcement (FOA), each ranging from $1 million to $2.5 million. SETO seeks teams of researchers from a variety of social science disciplines, including anthropology, behavioral sciences, communication, economics, political science, public administration, sociology, and urban planning. Teams may also include community, energy industry, or government partners. 

Prior to submitting a full application for this opportunity, a mandatory concept paper is due on January 30, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET. 

Areas of Interest

This funding opportunity has a single topic area on the social dynamics of LSS siting processes with three areas of interest. Projects must focus on at least one of the following areas of interest but can focus on multiple areas.

1. Community Acceptance and Opposition
2. Permitting and Land Use Planning Processes and Outcomes
3. Community Impact Evaluation

Teaming Partner List

DOE is compiling a Teaming Partner List to facilitate the formation of project teams for this FOA. The Teaming Partner List allows organizations that may wish to participate on a project to express their interest to other applicants and explore potential partnerships. 

The Teaming Partner List will be available on EERE eXCHANGE and will be regularly updated to reflect new teaming partners who provide their organization’s information.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: View the Teaming Partner List by visiting the EERE eXCHANGE homepage and clicking on “Teaming Partners” within the left-hand navigation pane. This page allows users to view published Teaming Partner Lists. To join the Teaming Partner List, submit a request within eXCHANGE. Select the appropriate Teaming Partner List from the drop-down menu and fill in the following information: Investigator Name, Organization Name, Organization Type, Topic Area, Background and Capabilities, Website, Contact Address, Contact Email, and Contact Phone.

DISCLAIMER: By submitting a request to be included on the Teaming Partner List, the requesting organization consents to the publication of the above-referenced information. By facilitating the Teaming Partner List, DOE is not endorsing, sponsoring, or otherwise evaluating the qualifications of the individuals and organizations that are identifying themselves for placement on this Teaming Partner List. DOE will not pay for the provision of any information, nor will it compensate any applicants or requesting organizations for the development of such information.

Webinar

SETO hosted an informational webinar on December 18, 2023, at 1 p.m. ET to discuss the funding opportunity and the areas of focus. View the recording and download the slides.

Key Dates

Additional Information

• Download the full funding opportunity on the EERE Exchange website.
• For FOA-specific support, contact [email protected].
• Sign up for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) email list to get notified of new EERE funding opportunities. Also sign up for our newsletter to stay current with the latest SETO news.