Tandem PV wins $7.7 million in ARPA-E backing to accelerate domestic manufacturing of next-generation solar technology
The solar energy industry continues to rapidly transform, with developers relying on technology to uncover new ways of generating energy at the highest capacity possible. Developers now have the freedom to pursue ambitious, groundbreaking projects that would not have been possible through traditional methods. As such, there is now an abundance of companies that are competing to become the leading pioneer and spearhead the next generation of renewable energy production. The United States is in an advantageous position considering the amount of wealth, resources, and scientific expertise available in the country. Recently, Tandem PV won $7.7 million in ARPA-E backing to accelerate domestic manufacturing of next-generation solar technology.
A background overview of Tandem PV and its influence in the solar industry
Tandem PV manufactures in the United States, restoring U.S. leadership in advanced solar technology, lowering costs, and improving clean energy supply chain resilience. The company co-founder and CTO Colin Bailie developed the world’s first perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell at Stanford University before launching the company through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Activate accelerator.
Up until now, the company has raised $100 million in venture capital, debt, and government funding from Eclipse, Constellation Energy, 8090 Industries, Trellis Climate, the U.S. Department of Energy, the California Energy Commission (CEC), and others. Industry experts expect Tandem PV to be among the leaders in discovering new methods of solar energy generation, considering the reputation that the company’s founder already has.
Tandem PV wins $7.7 million in ARPA-E backing to accelerate domestic manufacturing
A press release from Tandem PV, which is a leader in perovskite-silicon tandem solar technology, revealed that the company has been selected for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) SCALEUP Ready program. The selection reflects roughly $7.7 million in funding to accelerate the commercial scale-up and U.S. manufacturing of Tandem PV’s next-generation solar technology.
The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is a United States government agency that funds high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are too risky for private companies to fund alone. Created in 2009 within the U.S. Department of Energy, ARPA-E was inspired by the military’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
The United States deserves credit for the support that it has shown companies during the clean energy transition by making it easier for them to pursue and execute projects successfully.
Tandem PV’s commitment to advancing next-generation solar technology
Tandem PV’s project, “Tandems for American National Dominance in Energy Manufacturing (TANDEM)” will advance the company’s high-efficiency tandem solar panels toward large-scale commercial production. By combining an ultra-thin perovskite layer with traditional silicon, Tandem PV’s technology is specifically designed to generate significantly more power from the same panel footprint.
Among ARPA-E’s core mission and goals are reducing emissions, achieving energy independence for the United States, improving efficiency, and economic growth. The entity is now known for its disruptive funding, where it provided early-stage grants (averaging $2-$3 million) to universities, private companies, national labs, and small businesses.
Looking ahead: Tandem PV stands apart as a solar energy powerhouse
Industry experts are paying very close attention to the route that Tandem PV is taking and where the company may end up. Following the latest project, Scott Wharton, CEO of Tandem PV, stated:
“Being selected by ARPA-E for SCALEUP Ready is a strong validation of our technology, our team and our path to scale. The Department of Energy has backed Tandem PV since our earliest days, and we’re grateful for that continued support. This project will help us move faster toward high-volume U.S. manufacturing at a time when America needs more affordable, reliable power.”
It is much more difficult for a company to be recognized as a pioneer in the United States, considering the tremendous amount of competition that exists in the country. Tandem PV is well-known for delivering next-generation perovskite-silicon solar panels that offer the market’s best combination of efficiency and durability, which are specifically designed for high-volume production.
Prince is a versatile writer focused on energy, automotive, environmental, and general news topics. He makes complex technical and policy issues clear, engaging, and accessible for a broad audience.
