Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0000492
Apply for DE FOA 0000492
- The Golden Field Office in the energy science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Foundational Program to Advance Cell Efficiency (F PACE)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.087 Renewable Energy Research and Development.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 2, 2011 and posted on Apr 8, 2011.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 30, 2011 Concept Paper Applications Due May 9, 2011 Invitations for Full Applications Sent May 23, 2011 Full Applications Due June 30, 2011. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Foundational Program to Advance Cell Efficiency (F PACE) funding opportunity (DOE FOA 0000492) is a joint solicitation led by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), working in combination with the National Science Foundation (NSF), to support applied scientific research and early-stage technology development aimed at meaningfully improving solar photovoltaic (PV) cell efficiency while driving down PV module and system costs. The central motivation is to build the technical foundation needed for commercial and near-commercial PV technologies to reach an installed system cost target of roughly one dollar per watt by the end of that decade. In practical terms, the program is looking for research that strengthens the underlying device physics and technology pathways that can translate into better-performing, lower-cost PV for large-scale, grid-relevant deployments.
This particular amendment to the announcement is administrative but important: it extends the full application deadline to June 30, 2011, with submissions due by 11:59 pm Eastern Time. Everything else in the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is stated to remain the same, and any edits are highlighted in the posted FOA. The overall process described includes concept papers due May 9, 2011, invitations for full applications sent May 23, 2011, and then the full application deadline (originally June 23, 2011) moved to June 30, 2011.
Programmatically, F PACE is designed to tackle well-known efficiency and cost barriers by pushing advances in three connected areas: expanding the scientific knowledge base for PV, improving materials and manufacturing-relevant processes for PV cell components, and developing new approaches that narrow the gaps (1) between typical production cell efficiency and laboratory cell efficiency, and (2) between laboratory performance and the theoretical efficiency limits. The intent is not just incremental lab improvements, but research that helps bridge the real-world translation problem: getting high efficiency out of designs and materials that can be made reliably, at scale, and at lower cost.
The FOA aligns with DOE EEREs Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP) and NSFs Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS) Division, and it is framed as foundational work that supports the SunShot initiative. SunShot is described here as targeting a 75 percent reduction in the cost of solar electricity over the next decade, aiming to make solar cost-competitive with conventional fossil-fuel generation. F PACE fits into that strategy by focusing upstream on the scientific and engineering building blocks that enable step-changes in PV performance and manufacturability.
Applicants are directed to submit under one of three topic areas. Topic 1, Foundational Research on PV Sub-cell Materials and Processes, focuses on the materials and process innovations needed for the elements within a PV cell (for example, layers, interfaces, contacts, coatings, and other sub-cell components) where losses and manufacturing constraints often limit performance. Topic 2, Foundational PV Cell Research, centers more directly on cell-level device concepts and physics, including approaches that improve overall conversion efficiency, stability, and performance in conditions relevant to field operation. Topic 3, Barrier Focus Teams, is structured around coordinated efforts that concentrate on specific, identified roadblocks to cost and efficiency progress, typically implying a more integrated, team-based approach to overcoming a defined set of technical barriers.
From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary funding opportunity, using cooperative agreements and grants, under CFDA 81.087 (Renewable Energy Research and Development). Cost sharing or matching is required. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any additional clarifications in the FOA text. The posting indicates the DOE Golden Field Office as the issuing agency office.
All application materials and submissions are handled through the EERE eXCHANGE portal (https://eere-exchange.energy.gov). Applicants must register and create an account in that system before submitting, and the FOA points to an online user guide for navigating eXCHANGE. The announcement also notes that instructions for submitting questions about the FOA content and about application submission logistics are included in the full FOA on the portal. A contact is provided for access issues: Jeannette L. Singsen, reachable via F_PACE@go.doe.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Foundational Program to Advance Cell Efficiency (F PACE) (DOE FOA 0000492)
What is the F PACE funding opportunity?
The Foundational Program to Advance Cell Efficiency (F PACE) is a joint funding solicitation led by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), working in combination with the National Science Foundation (NSF). It supports applied scientific research and early-stage technology development intended to meaningfully improve solar photovoltaic (PV) cell efficiency while also driving down PV module and system costs.
What is the official identifier for this funding opportunity?
This opportunity is identified as DOE FOA 0000492.
Which federal agencies are involved in this solicitation?
The solicitation is led by the DOE and conducted in combination with NSF.
What is the main goal of the program?
The program aims to build the technical foundation needed for commercial and near-commercial PV technologies to reach an installed system cost target of roughly one dollar per watt by the end of that decade, by improving PV cell efficiency and reducing PV module and system costs.
What kinds of work does F PACE support?
F PACE supports applied scientific research and early-stage technology development. It emphasizes strengthening underlying device physics and technology pathways that can translate into better-performing, lower-cost PV suitable for large-scale, grid-relevant deployments.
Is this amendment changing the technical scope of the FOA?
No. The amendment is described as administrative. It extends the full application deadline, and everything else in the FOA is stated to remain the same. Any edits are highlighted in the posted FOA.
What is the updated full application deadline?
The full application deadline is extended to June 30, 2011, with submissions due by 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
What was the original full application deadline before the extension?
The full application deadline was originally June 23, 2011, and it was moved to June 30, 2011.
What is the concept paper deadline?
Concept papers are due May 9, 2011.
When are invitations for full applications expected to be sent?
Invitations for full applications are expected to be sent May 23, 2011.
What technical areas does F PACE focus on?
The FOA describes three connected technical focus areas: (1) expanding the scientific knowledge base for PV, (2) improving materials and manufacturing-relevant processes for PV cell components, and (3) developing new approaches that narrow the gaps between production and laboratory cell efficiencies and between laboratory performance and theoretical efficiency limits.
What does the FOA mean by the "translation problem"?
The FOA highlights the challenge of getting high efficiency out of designs and materials that can be manufactured reliably at scale and at lower cost. The program intent is to help bridge the gap between lab results and real-world, manufacturable performance.
How does the program relate to SunShot?
The FOA frames F PACE as foundational work that supports the SunShot initiative, which is described as targeting a 75 percent reduction in the cost of solar electricity over the next decade to make solar cost-competitive with conventional fossil-fuel generation.
How does F PACE align with DOE and NSF program areas?
The FOA aligns with DOE EERE's Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP) and NSF's Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS) Division.
How many topic areas are applicants expected to choose from?
Applicants are directed to submit under one of three topic areas.
What is Topic 1 about?
Topic 1, "Foundational Research on PV Sub-cell Materials and Processes," focuses on materials and process innovations for elements within a PV cell (such as layers, interfaces, contacts, coatings, and other sub-cell components) where losses and manufacturing constraints often limit performance.
What is Topic 2 about?
Topic 2, "Foundational PV Cell Research," centers on cell-level device concepts and physics, including approaches to improve conversion efficiency, stability, and performance in conditions relevant to field operation.
What is Topic 3 about?
Topic 3, "Barrier Focus Teams," emphasizes coordinated, team-based efforts focused on specific roadblocks to cost and efficiency progress, typically implying an integrated approach to overcoming a defined set of technical barriers.
What type of funding instrument is used?
The opportunity is described as discretionary funding using cooperative agreements and grants.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA is 81.087, titled "Renewable Energy Research and Development."
Is cost sharing or matching required?
Yes. The FOA indicates that cost sharing or matching is required.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any additional clarifications in the FOA text.
Which DOE office is issuing this opportunity?
The posting indicates the DOE Golden Field Office as the issuing agency office.
How do applicants submit application materials?
All application materials and submissions are handled through the EERE eXCHANGE portal at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov.
Do applicants need to register in eXCHANGE before submitting?
Yes. Applicants must register and create an account in the EERE eXCHANGE system before submitting.
Where can applicants find help using the eXCHANGE system?
The opportunity points applicants to an online user guide for navigating eXCHANGE.
How can applicants ask questions about FOA content or submission logistics?
The announcement notes that instructions for submitting questions about FOA content and application submission logistics are included in the full FOA on the portal.
Who should be contacted for access issues with eXCHANGE?
The contact for access issues is Jeannette L. Singsen, reachable at F_PACE@go.doe.gov.
What time zone applies to the submission deadline time?
The FOA specifies that submissions are due by 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Energy Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: ROSES 2011 Impacts of Climate Variability and Change on NASA Centers and Facilities
Previous opportunity: TRANSFORMATIONAL PV SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY NEXT GENERATION PHOTOVOLTAICS II
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DE FOA 0000492
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DE FOA 0000492) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Fundamental Developments in Sensors and Controls for Power and Fuel Systems Apply for DE FOA 0000059 Funding Number: DE FOA 0000059 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DE FOA 0000492", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.