Photovoltaic New Energy Storage Fund

What types of funding programs are available for solar energy projects?

Funding programs encompass at least one research area: photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP), systems integration (SI), soft costs (SC), manufacturing and competitiveness (M&C), and solar workforce development (WF). For a list of individual projects, view our Solar Energy Resource Database.

Is energy storage a viable option for utility-scale solar energy systems?

Energy storage has become an increasingly common component of utility-scale solar energy systems in the United States. Much of NREL's analysis for this market segment focuses on the grid impacts of solar-plus-storage systems, though costs and benefits are also frequently considered.

Are solar PPAs viable?

Solar PPAs are also viable when the solar project is not located on a government property, but the government receives the delivered electricity output. These so-called “Off-site” PPAs are popular with large energy users with insufficient space to host large solar arrays. A PPA is typically 15 to 30 years long.

Should a solar project include battery storage?

In either a PPA or self-ownership, solar projects that also include battery storage are more complicated than solar-only projects since they need to carefully establish rules for how and when the battery is used. EECBG Program awardees interested in this option, should review the plans early with their local utility.

How do I prepare for a PPA or self-ownership of solar?

To prepare for a PPA or self-ownership of solar (or solar + battery storage) project, EECBG Program awardees will need to identify government departments that should be consulted about solar installation projects, such as facilities/public works; finance; legal; procurement; sustainability; and economic development.

Why is energy storage financing so important?

The Energy Storage program’s concessional financing has been crucial in securing a total of $276 million through the Climate Investment Fund, the Green Climate Fund, and similar facilities to co-finance projects in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Maldives, Ukraine, and Zanzibar.