{"id":51143,"date":"2024-09-13T09:11:03","date_gmt":"2024-09-13T08:11:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=51143"},"modified":"2024-09-13T09:11:03","modified_gmt":"2024-09-13T08:11:03","slug":"us-invests-40m-funding-into-nations-solar-supply-chain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/us-invests-40m-funding-into-nations-solar-supply-chain\/51143\/","title":{"rendered":"US invests $40m funding into nation’s solar supply chain"},"content":{"rendered":"

The US Government has announced a $40m investment in the solar supply chain, spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE).<\/h2>\n

This initiative aims to enhance the sustainability, efficiency, and longevity of solar energy technologies while supporting the growth of domestic manufacturing.<\/a><\/p>\n

The funding will be channeled into four research and development projects focused on improving the lifecycle of photovoltaic (PV) solar systems and fostering material recovery from decommissioned systems.<\/p>\n

Improving the sustainability of solar PV systems<\/h3>\n

One key aspect of the DOE’s plan to reinforce the solar supply chain is the allocation of $16m to four projects, with $8m coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.<\/p>\n

This funding will go toward enhancing the sustainability of PV systems through the Materials, Operation, and Recycling of Photovoltaics (MORE PV) program<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The goal of this initiative is to cut the cost of recycling PV modules in half by 2030 and minimise the environmental impact when these systems reach the end of their lifecycle.<\/p>\n

Extending the lifespan of solar panels by making them more resistant to wear and easier to repair is a significant part of the strategy.<\/p>\n

The initiative also aims to slow the flow of PV panels into the waste stream by addressing common causes of early failures, such as damage from extreme weather.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, the funding will support research into improving the durability of PV systems, ensuring that solar energy remains a sustainable solution over time.<\/p>\n

The Solar Partnership to Advance Recycling and Circularity (Solar PARC) is another initiative included in the MORE PV program.<\/p>\n

This partnership, which consists of 30 organisations, including the Electric Power Research Institute, focuses on enhancing the circularity of solar systems by improving material recovery processes and establishing end-of-life management practices for PV components.<\/p>\n

Projects receiving funding<\/h3>\n

Four key projects have been selected for funding to enhance the domestic solar supply chain:<\/p>\n