Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0001195
Apply for DE FOA 0001195
- The Golden Field Office in the energy sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Physics of Reliability Evaluating Design Insights for Component Technologies in Solar 2 (PREDICTS2)" 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 Dec 1, 2014 and posted on Dec 1, 2014.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 12, 2015. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $9,700,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
- 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.
- Non DOE/NNSA FFRDCs and non DOE GOGOs are eligible to apply for funding as a Subrecipient, but are not eligible to apply as a Prime Recipient. Federal agencies and instrumentalities (other than DOE) are eligible to apply for funding as a subrecipient, but are not eligible to apply as a prime recipient.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
Physics of Reliability Evaluating Design Insights for Component Technologies in Solar 2 (PREDICTS2) is a U.S. Department of Energy funding opportunity aimed at improving the long-term reliability and durability of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. The core idea is to fund research and development that explains, in a cause-and-effect way, how and why PV modules degrade and fail in real-world conditions, and then turn that understanding into better tests, better screening methods, and better predictive models so modules can last longer with more confidence in their lifetime energy output. The work is closely tied to the DOE SunShot mission, since more reliable modules reduce risk, lower operating and maintenance costs, and improve the economics of large-scale solar deployment.
The FOA is looking for projects that go beyond simply observing that modules degrade, and instead use physics, chemistry, and modern data analysis to identify failure mechanisms and the conditions that trigger them. That includes studying module performance over time, teasing apart the interactions among materials and components, and connecting observed degradation (for example, power loss, hot spots, delamination, corrosion, or electrical insulation breakdown) to underlying mechanisms. A major emphasis is on accelerated testing: developing or refining test methods that can reproduce years of field exposure in a shorter period while still reflecting real degradation pathways. In practice, this means designing test sequences, stress factors, and measurement approaches that are more predictive of actual service life than conventional qualification-style tests.
Another major theme is creating improved product tests and rapid testing techniques or instruments that can be used either after installation outdoors or during manufacturing. The intent is to enable faster, more informative reliability evaluation in two key places: in the field (to diagnose problems early, confirm performance, and understand environment-driven failure) and on the production line (to catch defects or high-risk modules before they ship). Alongside testing, the FOA highlights the need for improved data models that can forecast performance and degradation over time, using better datasets and more advanced analytics. These models are meant to help translate test results and field observations into credible lifetime predictions, supporting decisions by manufacturers, developers, and financiers.
In terms of funding structure, this opportunity is a discretionary program using cooperative agreements, meaning awardees should expect substantial federal involvement and coordination during the project period rather than a hands-off grant. DOE planned an estimated total of about $9.7 million in federal funding, with an expectation of roughly 10 awards. Individual awards were anticipated to fall between $500,000 (floor) and $1,500,000 (ceiling). Although one field in the source data indicates no cost sharing, the narrative description specifies a minimum 20 percent cost share requirement from awardees, so applicants would need to plan for that matching contribution consistent with the full FOA terms.
Eligibility is broadly described as unrestricted for prime applicants, with specific limitations for certain federal entities and federally funded research centers. In particular, non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs and non-DOE government-owned, government-operated (GOGO) organizations may participate as subrecipients but not as prime recipients. Likewise, federal agencies and instrumentalities outside DOE can be subrecipients but cannot serve as the prime applicant. The sponsoring office is the DOE Golden Field Office, and the relevant CFDA listing is 81.087 (Renewable Energy Research and Development).
Administratively, applications had to be submitted through the EERE eXCHANGE portal, which requires prior registration and account creation. The FOA originally posted December 1, 2014, with an application deadline of March 12, 2015, and an archive date of April 1, 2015. Additional submission guidance, user manuals for the portal, and instructions for asking technical or administrative questions are referenced in the full FOA on EERE eXCHANGE, with the program mailbox listed as PREDICTS@ee.doe.gov for support.
FAQs: Physics of Reliability Evaluating Design Insights for Component Technologies in Solar 2 (PREDICTS2)
What is the PREDICTS2 funding opportunity?
PREDICTS2 (Physics of Reliability Evaluating Design Insights for Component Technologies in Solar 2) is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding opportunity focused on improving the long-term reliability and durability of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules.
What is the main goal of PREDICTS2?
The goal is to fund research and development that explains, in a cause-and-effect way, how and why PV modules degrade and fail in real-world conditions, and then convert that understanding into better tests, better screening methods, and more predictive models so PV modules can last longer with greater confidence in lifetime energy output.
How does PREDICTS2 relate to the DOE SunShot mission?
The opportunity is tied to the DOE SunShot mission because more reliable PV modules reduce risk, lower operations and maintenance costs, and improve the economics of large-scale solar deployment.
What kinds of projects is DOE looking for under this FOA?
The FOA seeks projects that go beyond observing degradation and instead use physics, chemistry, and modern data analysis to identify failure mechanisms and the conditions that trigger them. This includes linking observed degradation outcomes to underlying mechanisms.
What does the FOA mean by "cause-and-effect" understanding?
It means explaining not just that PV modules degrade, but how specific stressors, materials interactions, and environmental conditions lead to particular degradation pathways and failures, and using that knowledge to improve testing and prediction.
What types of PV module degradation or failure are mentioned?
Examples given include power loss, hot spots, delamination, corrosion, and electrical insulation breakdown.
Is accelerated testing a major focus of PREDICTS2?
Yes. A major emphasis is on accelerated testing methods that can reproduce years of field exposure in a shorter time while still reflecting real degradation pathways, rather than relying only on conventional qualification-style tests.
What is the intent of improving accelerated test methods?
The intent is to design test sequences, stress factors, and measurement approaches that are more predictive of actual service life than traditional qualification testing, enabling more credible lifetime assessment.
Does the FOA support development of product tests or rapid testing instruments?
Yes. The FOA highlights improved product tests and rapid testing techniques or instruments that can be used either after installation outdoors (field use) or during manufacturing (production-line use).
Where does DOE want reliability evaluation to happen faster?
In two places: (1) in the field, to diagnose problems early, confirm performance, and understand environment-driven failure, and (2) on the production line, to catch defects or high-risk modules before they ship.
Are data models and analytics part of the FOA scope?
Yes. The FOA calls for improved data models that can forecast performance and degradation over time, using better datasets and more advanced analytics.
What are the improved models intended to be used for?
They are intended to translate test results and field observations into credible lifetime predictions that can support decisions by manufacturers, developers, and financiers.
What type of funding instrument is expected for awards?
This is a discretionary program using cooperative agreements, which typically involve substantial federal involvement and coordination during the project period rather than a hands-off grant structure.
How much total funding was DOE planning for this opportunity?
DOE planned an estimated total of about $9.7 million in federal funding.
How many awards were expected?
Roughly 10 awards were anticipated.
What was the expected award size range?
Individual awards were anticipated to range from $500,000 (floor) to $1,500,000 (ceiling).
Is cost sharing required?
The information provided includes a discrepancy: one source field indicates no cost sharing, but the narrative description specifies a minimum 20 percent cost share requirement. Applicants would need to plan for at least 20 percent cost share consistent with the full FOA terms.
Who is eligible to apply as a prime recipient?
Eligibility is described as broadly unrestricted for prime applicants, with specific limitations for certain federal entities and federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs).
Can federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) apply as the prime?
Non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs may participate as subrecipients but not as prime recipients.
Can government-owned, government-operated (GOGO) organizations apply as the prime?
Non-DOE government-owned, government-operated (GOGO) organizations may participate as subrecipients but not as prime recipients.
Can other federal agencies apply as the prime applicant?
Federal agencies and instrumentalities outside DOE can be subrecipients but cannot serve as the prime applicant.
Which DOE office is sponsoring or managing this opportunity?
The sponsoring office is the DOE Golden Field Office.
What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA listing is 81.087 (Renewable Energy Research and Development).
How were applications submitted?
Applications had to be submitted through the EERE eXCHANGE portal.
Is registration required to apply through EERE eXCHANGE?
Yes. The portal requires prior registration and account creation.
When was the FOA originally posted?
The FOA was originally posted on December 1, 2014.
What was the application deadline?
The application deadline was March 12, 2015.
When was the opportunity archived?
The archive date was April 1, 2015.
Where could applicants find detailed submission guidance and instructions?
Additional submission guidance, user manuals for the EERE eXCHANGE portal, and instructions for asking technical or administrative questions were referenced in the full FOA posted on EERE eXCHANGE.
What email address is listed for program support?
The program mailbox listed for support is PREDICTS@ee.doe.gov.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Energy
Next opportunity: Law Schools and Justice Educational Training Initiative in Moldova
Previous opportunity: Water Conservation Field Services Program PXAO
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 0001195
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DE FOA 0001195) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| 0The Resilient Electricity Delivery Infrastructure (REDI) Initiative Apply for DE FOA 0001219 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001219 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Notice of Intent Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation Institute on Smart Manufacturing Advanced Sensors, Controls, Platforms, and Modeling for Manufacturing Apply for DE FOA 0001262 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001262 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent for State Energy Program 2015 Competitive Awards Apply for DE FOA 0001253 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001253 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to Issue FOA SunShot Incubator Round 10, SolarMat Round 3, SunPath Round 2 Apply for DE FOA 0001266 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001266 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to Issue Funding Opportunity Announcement entitled FY 2015 Vehicle Technologies Program Wide Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for DE FOA 0001254 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001254 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DE FOA 0001182 Marine and Hydrokinetic Systems Performance Advancement II (SPA II) Component Metric Validation Apply for DE FOA 0001182 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001182 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY 2015 Vehicle Technologies Office Incubator Apply for DE FOA 0001213 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001213 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Energy Audit Renewable Energy Development Assistance (EA/REDA) Apply for RDBCP REAP 2015 Funding Number: RDBCP REAP 2015 Agency: Business and Cooperative Programs Category: Energy Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| State Energy Program 2015 Competitive Awards Apply for DE FOA 0001222 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001222 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year 2015 Vehicle Technologies Program Wide Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for DE FOA 0001201 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001201 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to Issue FOA DE FOA 0001224 titled Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Research, Development, and Demonstrations Apply for DE FOA 0001275 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001275 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Support of Advanced Coal Research at United States Colleges and Universities Apply for DE FOA 0001245 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001245 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Transitional Technology Development to Enable Highly Efficient Power Systems with Carbon Management Apply for DE FOA 0001238 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001238 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| SUNSHOT TECHNOLOGY TO MARKET (INCUBATOR ROUND 10, SOLARMAT ROUND 3, SUNPATH ROUND 2) Apply for DE FOA 0001225 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001225 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent Next Generation of Electric Machines Apply for DE FOA 0001221 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001221 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Innovative Concepts and Core Technology Research Program Apply for DE FOA 0001229 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001229 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| SOLAR POWERING AMERICA BY RECOGNIZING COMMUNITIES (SPARC) Apply for DE FOA 0001241 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001241 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Small and Large Scale Pilots for Reducing the Cost of CO2 Capture and Compression Apply for DE FOA 0001190 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001190 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Program Strategy to Advance Marine and Hydrokinetics Apply for DE FOA 0001278 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001278 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DE FOA 0001277 NOI for FOA DE FOA 0001214 U.S. WIND MANUFACTURING LARGER BLADES TO ACCESS GREATER WIND RESOUR Apply for DE FOA 0001277 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001277 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy 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 0001195", 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.