DOE offers cash prize to expand green solar panel options

The Department of Energy has launched a prize program to incentivize U.S. companies to produce more sustainable solar panels, addressing the limited number that meet federal eco-standards.

Maddie Stone reports for Grist.

In short:

• The DOE is offering up to $450,000 to U.S. solar manufacturers who get EPEAT certification, a label indicating eco-friendly practices, to encourage sustainable production.
• Only six solar panel models currently meet EPEAT's sustainability criteria, limiting the government’s options for low-carbon, eco-friendly panels.
• Manufacturers seeking EPEAT certification must address supply chain emissions, sustainable resource use and responsible labor practices.

Key quote:

“What’s exciting is all of these forces are coming together at the same time. That really gives the industry an incentive to do the right things.”

— Erik Petersen, the chief strategy officer at Origami Solar

Why this matters:

Meeting net-zero goals will require massive solar power expansion, but the environmental cost of production varies widely. Incentivizing greener manufacturing can reduce emissions associated with solar panel production, supporting both the climate and sustainable energy growth.