Doe's Sunshot:

Its mission, to slash the installed costs of solar 75% by the end of the decade,whose value could extend, well into the trillions of dollars.  It’s seeking high-risk, high-reward technologies and models that challenge conventional wisdom and redefine the possibilities of the American solar market.  Rather than pump large sums to private companies to effectively scale-up, the SunShot directs smaller amounts of cash to national laboratories and academic institutions as well as private companies — all with the goal of reducing installed solar’s bottom line.

Manufacturing: The U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium (PVMC), an industry-led coalition that will create a roadmap for thin-film CIGS technology, announced this week its leadership team while further detailing its plans to unite the supply chain.

Installation Costs: right now are hovering around $6 a watt, the SunShot Initiative just unveiled a $10 million rooftop challenge.  The money will go to the first three teams that install 5,000 small-scale (defined as up to 15 kW) rooftop solar systems at an average price of $2 per watt or less by the end of 2014. If that target isn’t reached, then the money will be returned to the United States Department of Treasury.

Financing: Permitting and financing can make up about 25% of a system’s actual price tag.  Cutting these cost, in addition to the installation jobs created, help save money on peak power costs and utility bills.

Source: http://www1.eere.ene...ardees_2012.pdf