The objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for a Rooftop Solar Challenge is to achieve measurable improvements in market conditions for rooftop photovoltaics (PV) across the United States, with an emphasis on streamlined and standardized permitting and interconnection processes.  DOE is making a significant push to address these Balance of System issues utilizing a two-phased approach. DOE anticipates providing up to $12.5M to up to 25 awardees to accomplish the Phase 1 goals of this funding opportunity. Upon successful completion of Phase I, DOE anticipates making a significant investment in a second phase aimed at consolidating the “Best Practices” developed in Phase 1 into a common process framework and accelerating the deployment of this framework throughout the country.  This FOA directly supports the goals of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP) and the SunShot Initiative.

Letter of Intent Due Date:      July 18, 2011, 5:00 PM Eastern Time

Application Due Date:           August 31, 2011, 5:00 PM Eastern Time