Dec. 12, 2013 - The United States Department of Energy announced yesterday that Suniva has been awarded a $4.5 million grant to pursue innovations in its manufacturing processes for solar cells and modules. This award funds attractive next generation technologies that are capable of reducing the cost of solar panels below $0.50/watt with improvements that increase module power while decreasing manufacturing costs.

Its flagship 200MW cell and module facility in Norcross, Georgia, which is the site selected for this grant provided by the Solar Manufacturing Technology (SolarMat) program, sponsored by the Energy Department. Suniva was one of only five companies to receive the grant.

"We are excited that the Department of Energy chose Suniva to help with these important technology innovations that provide unique, differentiated products for the solar industry," said Dr. Ajeet Rohatgi, co-founder and chief technology officer of Suniva. "World-class power at affordable prices from a U.S. manufacturer is an attractive combination for the solar marketplace and helps the U.S. to maintain its technology innovation edge."

As part of the Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative, these awards will help lower the cost of solar electricity, support a growing U.S. solar workforce and increase U.S. competitiveness in the global clean energy market.