Department of Energy Announces $18 million for Six New Solar Projects

Recently the Department of Energy (DOE) announced the allocation of $18 million dollars for six new solar projects aimed at improving the security, storage and reliability of the national electric grid. The funded projects are spread over several major cities in the U.S. and will make solar loans and installation a practical energy alternative for residents and businesses. 

Project Aims to Increase Solar Generated Energy

SolarIndustrymag.com says, “The six new integrated PV and energy storage projects will utilize Internet-capable inverters and will work with smart buildings, smart appliances and utility communication and control systems. These projects are either led by a utility company or include a utility company as a key partner and the teams will conduct at least a one-year field demonstration of their technologies.”

Each of these projects will improve the amounts of solar generated energy that can be utilized at any time, despite time of day or weather conditions, to meet increased demand among consumers and businesses. With options for solar loans and financing at an all-time high and an increased amount of energy in supply, this energy alternative can be utilized by more Americans. 

Goals Include Reliable, Cost-Effective Energy Solutions

Energy.gov states that the projects are split up among the following: Austin Energy in Austin, Texas, Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Edison Company in Chicago, Illinois, The Electric Power Research Institute in Knoxville, Tennessee, Fraunhofer USA Center for Sustainable Energy Systems in Boston, Massachusetts and The Hawaiian Electric Company in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

According to energy.gov, funds in each of these cities are to be used to create and develop solutions for energy management, using the SunDial Global Scheduler system and smart technologies such as thermostats and inverters that regulate energy production, control and distribution. Upon completion, reliable, functional and cost-effective solutions for energy storage and distribution will be available for any region in the United States.

Affordable Solar Budgets for Both Businesses and Homeowners

Solar loans already make solar energy a smart option for many homeowners and businesses. With additional storage and accessibility, solar energy will be readily available for people across the U.S. in a variety of communities and budgets. 

Nicole Donaldson is a renewable energy writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Elements Capital Group. Follow on Twitter.