EERE Funding Opportunities

Funding Notice: Small Innovative Projects in Solar 2022

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) announced the Small Innovative Projects (SIPS) in Solar 2022: Concentrating Solar Thermal Power and Photovoltaics funding program, which will award up to $5 million for projects that seek to fund innovative research and development seedling projects in photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) technologies in an effort to accelerate the large-scale development and deployment of solar technology. These research activities will support the government-wide approach to addressing the climate crisis by driving innovation.  

The structure of this funding opportunity is designed to streamline the application process to encourage applications from a diverse pool of researchers who have never applied or been selected for a SETO project award. SETO is interested in proposals that advance technology development goals through strategies supported by diversity in experience, perspectives, and research discipline. In addition, applicants must submit a plan to broaden the participation of well-qualified members of underrepresented groups on their teams. These efforts will help to achieve the administration’s goal to increase the diversity of those working in applied energy research fields.  

SETO expects to make about 15 to 23 awards each ranging between $250,000 and $400,000. Teams from universities, federally funded research and development centers, nonprofit and for-profit companies, community-based organizations, state agencies, and local governments are encouraged to apply.  

Prior to submitting a full application for this opportunity, a brief 1-2 paragraph, mandatory letter of intent is due on February 28 at 5:00 p.m. ET.  

Key Dates

To learn more about this funding opportunity and other open funding opportunities within DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) please visit EERE’s Funding Opportunities page.