Solar power is an increasingly vital part of America’s energy profile. However, the photovoltaic modules that collect the light are inefficient.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) is looking to help change that. The DoE’s initiative will be funded at more than $30 million for five years, subject to appropriations, according to the press release.
The Durable Module Materials National Lab Consortium – DuraMat for short – will develop and deploy high performance materials for photovoltaic modules, according to the DoE. The goals are to lower costs and increase field lifetime.
DuraMat is fourth initiative from the Energy Materials Network (EMN). Three more are expected to be announced in fiscal year 2017, according to the DoE.
The world of photovoltaic research is expanding as the solar power becomes more important.