Sec. 4. Next generation solar energy manufacturing initiative
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In carrying out the program established under section 2(a), the Secretary shall provide multi-year grants on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis to eligible entities for research, development, and demonstration projects to advance new solar energy manufacturing technologies and techniques, including those that manufacture solar cells, hardware, and enabling devices. Not later than September 1, 2020, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, and any other committees of Congress deemed appropriate by the Secretary a report on the results of a study that examines the viable market opportunities available for solar energy technology manufacturing in the United States, including solar cells, hardware, and enabling technologies.
The report under paragraph
(1)shall include— a description of— the ability to competitively manufacture solar technology in the United States, including the manufacture of— new and advanced materials, such as cells made with new, cost-effective, high efficiency materials; solar module equipment and enabling technologies, including smart inverters, sensors, and tracking equipment; innovative solar module designs and applications, including those that can directly integrate with new and existing buildings and other infrastructure; and other research areas as determined by the Secretary; and opportunities and barriers within the United States and international solar energy technology supply chains; policy recommendations for enhancing solar energy technology manufacturing in the United States; and an aggressive 10-year target and plan, beginning in 2021, to enhance the competitiveness of solar energy technology manufacturing in the United States. In carrying out the research, development, and demonstration program under this section, to the extent practicable, the Secretary shall follow the recommendations included in the report under subsection
(b)and make grants for solar energy manufacturing projects that— reduce capital expenditures or provide lower-cost manufacturing option; eliminate manufacturing process steps; reduce energy, water, and material inputs; establish alternative supply chains for materials and components; and take advantage of rapid prototyping, small batch manufacturing, and roll-to-roll processing. Beginning not later than 3 years after the completion of the report under subsection (b), and every 4 years thereafter, the Secretary shall provide, and make available to the public and the relevant authorizing and appropriations committees of Congress, an independent review of the program authorized under this section to evaluate its progress toward meeting the policy recommendations and targets determined in the report.