The Department of Energy has announced that it will launch a competition to push U.S. entrepreneurs for new developments on solar manufacturing.
The $3 million American Made Solar Prize competition seeks to augment the U.S.’ presence in the solar energy market, and form partnerships between industry players and DOE laboratories, the department said Wednesday.
Participants will be given access to DOE tools and facilities, as well as the task to develop solar technology prototypes that seek to to address needs faced in industry.
The prize is taken from DOE’s allotment of $400 million for 2017 solar technology efforts.
The department’s Solar Energy Technologies Office will finance the competition, while the National Renewable Energy Laboratory will provide administrative support.
Details regarding the competition’s dates are yet to be announced.