New Research Group Launched to Grow America’s Solar Industry

August 1, 2022 by Dan McCue
New Research Group Launched  to Grow America’s Solar Industry
An NREL research team led the way with a 16.5%-efficient cadmium telluride (CdTe) PV cell and device structure that surpassed the former world record by 0.7%, absolute. (Department of Energy Photo)

WASHINGTON — A new research group has been launched to make cadmium telluride solar cells less expensive, more efficient and develop new markets for solar cell products. 

Cadmium telluride solar cells were first developed in the United States and are the second-most common photovoltaic technology in the world after silicon.

 The Cadmium Telluride Accelerator Consortium was launched by the Energy Department with $20 million in seed money to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and bolster the U.S. supply chain.

Without an expansion of capacity, department officials said, the U.S. would be forced to continue to rely on clean energy imports and lose out on the thousands of job opportunities associated with the energy transition.

“As solar continues its reign as one of the cheapest forms of energy powering our homes and businesses, we are committed to a solar future that is built by American workers,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in a written statement. 

“DOE is proud to partner with leading solar researchers and companies to chart the future of CdTe technology, which presents an immense opportunity for domestic manufacturers to help ensure our nation’s security while providing family-sustaining jobs,” she added.

The effort will be centered on Ohio, where First Solar recently announced it is spending $680 million to build and  expand its manufacturing presence in the state.

“Now, through this remarkable partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy, the University of Toledo, and First Solar — our region will become a hub of next-generation energy innovation that is built right here at home by Ohio’s workers,” Rep. Macy Kaptur, D-Ohio said.

Dr. Gregory Postel, president of University of Toledo, another partner in the program, said in a statement, the university is proud to help power the future by leading this consortium that leverages our expertise in solar energy research and commercialization and strengthens our partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and other leaders in this important and growing field.”

For more information on the program, click here.

Dan can be reached at [email protected] and at https://twitter.com/DanMcCue.

A+
a-
  • Cadmium telluride solar cells
  • Department of Energy
  • renewable energy
  • solar energy
  • In The News

    Health

    Voting

    Renewable Energy

    March 27, 2024
    by TWN Staff
    Rep. Cleaver New Co-Chair of House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus

    WASHINGTON — Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, D-Mo., is the new Democratic co-chair of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency... Read More

    WASHINGTON — Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, D-Mo., is the new Democratic co-chair of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus. He was invited to serve as co-chair by Sens. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, the co-chairs of the Senate Renewable Energy and Energy... Read More

    March 26, 2024
    by Dan McCue
    Biden Administration Approves Seventh Offshore Wind Project

    WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Tuesday approved the construction of the Sunrise Wind offshore wind farm, a project off... Read More

    WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Tuesday approved the construction of the Sunrise Wind offshore wind farm, a project off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, that proponents say will eventually power 320,000 homes. The project is the seventh commercial-scale wind farm to be approved under... Read More

    March 26, 2024
    by Dan McCue
    Sen. Blumenthal Lauds Expansion of Tax Credit for Offshore Wind Projects

    NEW LONDON, Conn. — Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., visited State Pier in New London, Connecticut, on Monday to tout and... Read More

    NEW LONDON, Conn. — Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., visited State Pier in New London, Connecticut, on Monday to tout and celebrate the Biden administration’s decision to expand eligibility of federal tax credits for offshore wind projects. “This tax credit has been a long time in coming,”... Read More

    China to Challenge Biden's Electric Vehicle Plans at the WTO

    BEIJING (AP) — China filed a World Trade Organization complaint against the U.S. on Tuesday over what it says are... Read More

    BEIJING (AP) — China filed a World Trade Organization complaint against the U.S. on Tuesday over what it says are discriminatory requirements for electric vehicles subsidies. Starting this year, U.S. car buyers are not eligible for tax credits of $3,750 to $7,500 if critical minerals or other battery... Read More

    Here Are the Big Hurdles to the Global Push to Build Up Renewable Energy

    The world's governments have agreed they want to triple renewable energy by 2030, a goal laid out at the U.N.... Read More

    The world's governments have agreed they want to triple renewable energy by 2030, a goal laid out at the U.N. climate summit in December. But right now, the post-pandemic global economy is throwing up obstacles that will need to be overcome if the goal is going... Read More

    March 25, 2024
    by Dan McCue
    Energy Department Awards $6B to Decarbonization Projects

    WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy on Monday awarded $6 billion to 33 projects across more than 20 states... Read More

    WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy on Monday awarded $6 billion to 33 projects across more than 20 states to decarbonize energy-intensive industries while creating jobs and revitalizing the communities in which they are located. Funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law and Inflation Reduction Act,... Read More

    News From The Well
    scroll top