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SIPS: Funding Risky Yet Transformative Solar Research Projects

In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, solar power stands out as a beacon of hope for a greener future. However, to continue advancing solar technology, innovative research is essential. 

Small Innovative Projects in Solar (SIPS) plays a pivotal role in funding risky yet transformative solar research projects, propelling the industry forward.



What is SIPS?

SIPS is a solar funding initiative dedicated to fostering innovation and breakthroughs in solar energy. It was established in 2015 as a funding apparatus of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) to address the funding gap for high-risk, high-reward solar research projects. 

SIPS aims to accelerate the development of cutting-edge solar technologies and operates as a grant program, providing financial support to researchers, entrepreneurs, and organizations working on innovative solar projects.

Key Aspects of SIPS

  • Risk-Taking: SIPS embraces risk by supporting solar projects that may not receive funding through traditional channels due to their experimental nature. By encouraging bold ideas and unconventional approaches, SIPS stimulates solar innovation and breakthroughs in solar technology. 
  • Innovation: The primary focus of SIPS is on driving solar innovation. Projects supported by SIPS often explore novel concepts, materials, and techniques that have the potential to revolutionize the solar industry. 
Workers Installing Solar Panels on House Roof
  • Collaboration: SIPS encourages collaboration among researchers, institutions, and industry partners. By building a network of experts and stakeholders, SIPS amplifies the impact of funded projects and facilitates knowledge exchange.
  • Impact: While SIPS prioritizes solar innovation, it also emphasizes the practical application and scalability of research outcomes. Funded projects are expected to contribute to the advancement of solar energy technologies and address pressing challenges in the field.

Notable Areas of SIPS Funding

  • Next-Generation Photovoltaics (NGPV): SIPS funds projects aimed at developing NGPV materials with improved efficiency and durability. Researchers leveraged advanced nanotechnology to engineer novel solar cells capable of capturing a broader spectrum of sunlight. 


  • Solar Energy Storage: SIPS focuses on the development of efficient and cost-effective solar energy storage solutions. By exploring innovative battery technologies and smart grid integration strategies, the project aimed to overcome one of the key limitations of solar power — intermittency. The energy storage market is expected to reach $8.2 billion in 2025.
  • Solar-Powered Desalination: SIPS funded research into solar-powered desalination technologies, addressing the pressing global need for clean water resources. The project aimed to harness solar energy for sustainable desalination processes, offering a renewable solution to water scarcity challenges.

Applying for SIPS Funding

Researchers, entrepreneurs, and organizations interested in securing solar funding from SIPS can submit project proposals through the official application process. Proposals are evaluated based on criteria such as: 

  • Innovation
  • Feasibility
  • Potential Impact
  • Alignment with the SIPS Goals 

Successful applicants receive financial support to carry out their projects.

Award Amounts

SIPS provides varying levels of solar funding depending on the scope and requirements of the proposed projects. Award amounts may range from small grants for proof-of-concept studies to larger grants for multi-year research endeavors. Funding decisions are made based on the merit of the proposals and the available budget allocated for SIPS initiatives. 

According to the DOE, solar ideas in the PV or concentrating solar-thermal power (CPS) realm potentially qualify to receive between $250,000 and $400,000. 

Solar Funding for a Brighter Future

Small Innovative Projects in Solar (SIPS) plays a crucial role in driving the frontier of solar energy research and innovation forward. By supporting risky yet promising projects, SIPS contributes to the development of groundbreaking technologies that hold the potential to transform the way we harness solar power and combat climate change.

As solar becomes cheaper and more efficient through high-risk and innovative solar funding opportunities, more Americans than ever will be able to take part in the solar revolution. If you’re considering a solar panel system, contact Gurr Brothers Energy and discuss the perfect system options to suit your energy needs.

March 25, 2024

Author: Hunter S.

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