Question 2:
Can non-US solar panel manufacturers participate in the DE-FOA-0000661 program?
Answer 2:
As stated in Part II Section A. of the NOTA, only domestic entities can be the prime recipient of the Technical Assistance; however, a domestic entity may partner with a non-US entity.
Question 3:
Please clarify the typical expected (or maximum permitted) time delay between the completion of the selection process, and commencement and completion of deployment of equipment at the RTC's.
Answer 3:
The timetable for deploying the modules or system at each of the three RTCs after selection will be based on the technology readiness level. Requests for technical assistance should provide an explanation of the technology readiness level and propose a timetable for installing the modules or system at each of the RTCs. The NOTA does not define or restrict the timetable for installations. However, under the Project Implementation evaluation criteria, preference may be given to recipients whose modules or systems are ready for near-term installation at the RTCs.
Question 4:
Would it be possible to install Thin Film as well as Crystalline at the RTCs for purposes of characterizing them both, with a useful comparison drawn between the two technologies? The thin film modules are manufactured in Japan for the global market, including the US. Would the Japanese origin of the Thin Film modules disqualify this technology from being tested under this NOTA?
Answer 4:
Requests for technical assistance may include the comparison of two technologies.
As stated in Part II Section A. of the NOTA, only domestic entities can be the prime recipient of the Technical Assistance; however, a domestic entity may partner with a non-US entity and the NOTA does not prohibit non-US manufactured modules from being tested. Please note that, under the Project Impact evaluation criteria, the probability that successful completion of the Project would lead to improved competitiveness of US-manufactured products may be considered when evaluating requests for technical assistance.
Question 5:
Will you willing to test modules at a test size of less than 10kW? Would you be willing to individually monitor each module's performance?
Is any privacy assured on tested products? I.e., will other manufacturers be blocked from viewing products close-up?
Answer 5:
As stated in Part I.B of the NOTA, module-level testing will require a minimum of 10 kW per site. As part of the monitoring, the RTCs will individually measure the performance of one or two modules to thoroughly characterize the module(s), but the RTCs would not be able to monitor every module of the 10 kW deployment unless the modules being tested incorporate microinverters, in which case, the level of monitoring for individual modules would depend on the microinverter design.
As stated in the NOTA, the intent is to use the performance data generated during the technical assistance for the limited purpose of developing testing protocols and standards. Any data published during the protected period will be in composite or aggregate form from which the individual sources of the data cannot be ascertained. If requested by the recipient, the recipient may review and approve the draft publication prior to the RTC publishing the data.
However, because the modules are being characterized outdoors, they may be viewable by other parties visiting the RTC sites. We intend to put some level of restrictions in place such that manufacturers will not be left alone to take photos of other products for example, but we cannot guarantee complete privacy of the products being tested.
Question 6:
For the Regional Test Center Technical Assistance request, the applicant organization will be responsible for all aspects of the project, but will use a contractor to do the installation. Do we need a letter of commitment from a contractor on submission? Typically we would select contractor after being awarded space.
Answer 6:
A letter from the to be determined installation contractor is not required; however, the letter(s) of commitment from the applicant organization (and partners, as applicable) must provide sufficient evidence of financial resources and stability to complete the installation and ensure that if the technology is validated, it will be brought to market.
Question 7:
I’m inquiring to feedback for round one submissions to the NOTA. Would someone update us on selection status for module level testing?
Answer 7:
The review of requests for technical assistance submitted under round 1 is complete. Selections are pending and should be announced soon.
Question 8:
We design and manufacture a polymer based racking system for PV modules with integrated grounding and wire management. We are interested in applying for the above noted funding opportunity to receive testing validation of our product. Does this funding opportunity apply to us in that we do not design the module, but just the racking system? If it does not apply, are we able to partner with a module manufacturer and jointly apply for the opportunity as an entire PV system?
Answer 8:
As stated in Section I.B of this Notice of Opportunity for Technical Assistance (NOTA), proposals for technical assistance may be for module-level testing or may include the testing of an integrated PV system. Balance of System (BOS) manufacturers may partner with a module manufacturer to propose validation testing of the integrated system. The proposal should describe the type(s) and amount of technical assistance desired. For example, if the racking system is to be evaluated, the proposal should include a validation plan detailing the relevant testing procedures that are being requested.
Question 9:
In regard to this FOA: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/sunshot/financial_opps_detail.html?sol_id=488
Is UL certification required for the modules under test?
Answer 9:
UL certification is not required for modules to be tested at the Regional Test Centers, but the technology readiness level will be evaluated in selecting recipients of Technical Assistance.
Question 10:
1) We are interested in module testing per the NOTA. It is specified that “The RTCs may also provide racking and other balance of system (BOS) to support module level testing”. It is difficult to propose a study in specific details without knowing more information about the available racking hardware (i.e. size of installation , fixed tilt angle and row pitch, etc). Another key factor affecting our proposal is sites’ capability to perform fair comparative trials for a control group versus one or more test groups (having the same shading and environmental exposures). Is more information available regarding the rack hardware and BOS components mentioned? Will the racking + BOS be built to out specifications or is pre-existing?
2) Must the PV modules undergoing testing be UL certified?
Answer 10:
1. In most cases, RTC provided racking and other balance of system (BOS) to support module level testing will be designed and built to specifications based on the individual module design(s).
2. Modules can be tested at the Regional Test Centers prior to UL certification, but the technology readiness level will be evaluated in selecting recipients of Technical Assistance.
Question 11:
Does the solicitation also allow for validating inverters (String/ Central inverters) as well ? If yes, can we apply to the program on an individual basis ?
Answer 11:
As stated in Section I.B of this Notice of Opportunity for Technical Assistance (NOTA), proposals for technical assistance may be for module-level testing or may include the testing of an integrated PV system. Inverter and other Balance of System (BOS) manufacturers may partner with a module manufacturer to propose validation testing of an integrated system. The proposal should describe the type(s) and amount of technical assistance desired. For example, if the inverter is to be evaluated, the proposal should include a validation plan detailing the relevant testing procedures that are being requested.
Question 12:
We have been designing and building dual axis solar tracking systems for about 5 years and have installed several hundred KW in various systems throughout the country. We are preparing to install 12MW as a precursor to 400MW project to supply our grid through Mexico, as well as about 50MW in India. We have tested and monitored our system for 3 years and are manufacturing in Mexico and India. We know through monitoring what our system can do. We need your help to validate it. We have received funding through Arizona Innovation and been part of the Cleantech Open program. We would like to have our system tested through the Regional test center program.
Could this fit within the parameters of the DOE RTC program?
Answer 12:
Proposals for technical assistance may be for module-level testing or may include the testing of an integrated PV system. Validation testing of dual axis solar tracking systems would fit within the parameters of the DOE RTC program. See Part I.B of the notice for information on the minimum installation size and a description of the types of technical assistance available.
As stated in Part II Section A of the NOTA, only domestic entities can be the prime recipient of the Technical Assistance; however, a domestic entity may partner with a non-US entity and the NOTA does not prohibit non-US manufactured modules from being tested. Please note that, under the Project Impact evaluation criteria, the probability that successful completion of the Project would lead to improved competitiveness of US-manufactured products may be considered when evaluating requests for technical assistance.
Question 13:
I’m curious if this is only for newly installed technologies or if we can use our very large base of systems here in Arizona over the last 25 years to conduct validation of modules and systems?
Does this include only grid-tied system or would off-grid installations qualify as well?
Answer 13:
Under this Notice of Opportunity for Technical Assistance (NOTA), DOE will provide technical assistance to the photovoltaic (PV) industry and other stakeholders in the form of validation testing and systems monitoring through the DOE Regional Test Centers (RTCs). As stated Part I of the NOTA, recipients of technical assistance will install PV modules and/or systems at the RTC sites. Proposals for conducting validation testing at the applicant’s facilities would not be responsive to the objective/scope of the NOTA.
Proposals for technical assistance may be for module-level testing or may include the testing of an integrated PV system, including both grid-tied systems and off-grid type installations.
Question 14:
What and where are the RTCs for PV
Answer 14:
See Part I of the Notice for an overview of the Regional Test Center program and the locations of the RTCs. As stated in the NOTA, the DOE Regional Test Centers are located in Denver, CO, Albuquerque, NM, and Orlando, FL.
Question 15:
Please send me the full solicitation for the above-referenced opportunity.
Answer 15:
The full solicitation may be downloaded from https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/#FoaId39d68a7c-6afc-4187-abbf-9e9cc8ca786a by clicking on “Amendment 001 - Regional Test Centers: Validation of Photovoltaic (PV) Modules and Systems” under FOA Documents.
Question 16:
Do you have an examples or list of requirements for the project narrative and letters of commitment?
Answer 16:
The requirements for the project narrative and letters of commitment are described in Part III, section B of the notice.
Question 17:
Regarding the solicitation for ""Regional Test Centers: Validation of Photovoltaic (PV) Modules and Systems"" (Notice Number: DE-FOA-0000661), our organizations has several questions before we finalize our application submission.
These questions are related to performance validation testing of a dual-axis tracking system at the system-level.
1) As this will be at least a 50kW installation, are we required to install systems at more than one RTC? Is there a minimum number of RTCs where we should plan to install our systems?
2) We have a preference for certain RTC locations due to their latitude and radiation conditions. Should we express those preferences in the proposal or are the locations to be negotiated with DOE or RTCs upon award?
3) As we are interested in the performance increase of our system over a baseline/control (fixed tilt) installation, should we plan to install the baseline/control system as well, or will their be baseline installations at RTCs to compare our system performance to?
Thank you very much for you consideration.
Answer 17:
1) The intent is for recipients of technical assistance to install PV modules and/or systems at all three primary RTC sites (if appropriate), and at the secondary sites when deemed appropriate/beneficial. Deployment at the geographically diverse RTC sites will allow a more complete assessment of product/system performance and reliability issues as a function of climate. However, applicants may propose deployments at a subset of RTC sites based on the type of technology or validation testing being proposed. For example, if a CPV product is not designed for deployment in a low direct normal irradiance (DNI) area, a proposal may choose to deploy at only the high-DNI RTC sites. A minimum of two locations is suggested.
2) If deployment at a subset of RTC locations is desired, the proposal should express those preferences and explain the rationale for limiting the number of installations.
3) The RTCs do not currently have “standard” PV installations to serve as a controlled baseline. If recipients of technical assistance are interested in comparing the performance of their systems with a baseline/control installation, they should plan to provide/install the baseline/control system.
Question 18:
I am sorry to ask such a simple question, but I have not been able to find further information on the EERE website or users guide. The NOTA (DE-FOA-0000661) requests that we name our attached files with a "control number." Where or when are we assigned a control number? Our organization used a control number on a past application - do we use that same control number for all applications or do we need to receive a new control number for each application?
Answer 18:
A control number will be automatically assigned by the EERE Exchange system after applicants initiate their application. To initiate an application, click on the “Apply” button for the Funding Opportunity Announcement, complete the General Information, and click “Create Full Application”.
Question 19:
Part II.A indicates that only domestic entities are eligible to apply for this announcement. Are there any restrictions on assistance provided to a domestic entity that expects a substantial amount of non-US development and manufacturing?
Answer 19:
Only domestic entities as described in the NOTA can receive technical assistance under this announcement. So long as the entity applying is incorporated in the U.S. or otherwise formed under laws of the U.S. or the States, they are eligible to participate. Foreign entities may not participate.