Next-Generation Technologies in the USA

This paper describes the highlights of exploratory research into next-generation photovoltaic (PV) technologies funded by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) for the purpose of finding disruptive or leap frog technologies that have a chance of leaping ahead, both in terms of vastly higher conversion efficiencies and greater penetration of the PV energy marketplace. Next-generation PV technologies are defined as those not in production or only in limited production because of the need for additional long-term research, development, innovation, and commercialization. Since 1999, DOE and the National Remewable Energy Laboratory have funded 33 universities and companies to explore these concepts, with a total annual budget of about $2 million US per year. Next-generation photovoltaic (PV) technologies are de-fined as those not in production or in limited production of less than 1 % of the conventional PV market sales. Exploratory research into these next-generation technologies resulted from the consensus at a 1997 conference often referred to as The Leap Frog Conference. This conference was convened to review the viability of conventional P