Se Denver News

Lafayette, CO — On April 24, Congressman Joe Neguse announced that the University of Colorado Boulder has been awarded $9 million in federal funding for their innovation driven research on solar technology. This project was one of 19 selected nationwide and was part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s $52 million investment in America’s domestic solar supply chain and energy grid; which includes funds allocated through the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

“Today, thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Colorado will receive nearly $9 million to support projects that enhance our domestic solar manufacturing and recycling systems, and strengthen the clean energy grid,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. “I’m proud to have championed these provisions in Congress, and am excited to see the many ways in which Colorado continues to lead the way in renewable energy development.” 

"The University of Colorado Boulder values our strong partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy," said CU Boulder Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Dean of the Institutes Massimo Ruzzene. "I'm delighted our researchers, in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and key academic and industry partners, have been selected to lead this consortium that will play an important role in advancing the American solar cell industry."

The University of Colorado’s project will design and build tandem silicon-perovskite solar cells, comparing different manufacturing methods for the perovskite layer to minimize cost and maximize efficiency and durability. The center will consist of four universities, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and three American perovskite companies.  Perovskites are a promising next-generation technology with the potential for quicker production compared to crystalline silicon cells. Research to advance perovskite solar technologies will help scale domestic solar manufacturing capacity. 

Read more about the other projects selected HERE. 

Congressman Neguse played a key role in the swift passage and enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a historic piece of legislation that invests in the economy, rebuilds crumbling roads and bridges, and ensures American communities can compete in the 21st Century. Thanks to the advocacy and leadership of Congressman Neguse, the bill also includes several other wildfire response initiatives including funds for wildfire prevention, a pay raise for federal wildland firefighters, and investments in collaborative forest programs, such as the Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership.

Original source can be found here.