IESO and TechWerx are seeking applicants for the Space Photovoltaics (PV) Research and Development (R&D) Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA), which will award $12 million to R&D projects that address key challenges in durability, performance, cost, and manufacturing throughput in space PV technologies. The PIA aims to advance mission-critical space PV capabilities within the United States. This PIA will have two topic areas: 
- Topic 1 – Cell and Module R&D for Next-generation Space PV: This topic will encompass innovative projects to advance state-of-the-art, low-cost fabrication methods and improve performance and durability of lab-scale PV cells.
- Topic 2 – Space PV Industrial R&D: This topic will focus on advancing innovative manufacturing processes capable of scaling to high-volume production and demonstrating third-party validated performance of module prototypes in space or near-space environments.
University and industry research laboratories developing advanced space-applicable PV technologies or specializing in PV characterization and stress testing, as well as industry teams advancing near-commercial pilot-scale space PV solutions with testing partnerships and the capability to fly PV prototypes or panels in space, are encouraged to apply.
IESO and TechWerx will host an informational webinar on September 15, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET to discuss the PIA opportunity and the areas of focus. Full applications are due on October 8, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET.
Learn more about this funding opportunity and other open funding opportunities within DOE’s Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation.
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