University of the District of Columbia Awards
- Project Name: Science and Technology Research Partnership Program (STRP)
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Project Summary:
The U.S. DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) funds early-stage research and development in three technology areas: photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP), and systems integration with the goal of improving the affordability, reliability, and domestic benefit of solar technologies on the grid. The goals of SETO are to develop the technologies and knowledge base needed to continue the sweeping cost reductions seen throughout the industry since 2010, to improve the ability of solar energy to integrate into the country’s electric grid, and to combine solar technologies with storage, efficiency, and other value-adding technologies that allow solar to contribute to enhanced grid reliability and resiliency through the development of a science and technology partnerships that allow students and primary investigators at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to engage in research projects with underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Outcome:
The project engaged in Solar Energy research with Minority-Serving Institutions enhancing photovoltaics, solar-thermal power, and integrating systems for increased efficiencies, consumer participation, and improved communities.