Solar Utility Networks - Replicable Innovations in Solar Energy (SUNRISE)

Solar Utility Networks - Replicable Innovations in Solar Energy (SUNRISE) I. The purpose of this Amendment is to change the Expected Date for Response to Concept Papers to April 3, 2013. II. The areas which have changed are highlighted in yellow within the FOA. III. All other parts of the FOA remain unchanged. The Solar Utility Networks - Replicable Innovations in Solar Energy (SUNRISE) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is being issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to solicit applications for two (2) topic areas. Topic A is to enable utilities to develop long-term strategic plans that integrate high levels of renewable energy generation, and to ensure reliable real-time power system operations under high renewable penetration. Topic B will provide technical assistance for capacity-building activities regarding utility-scale photovoltaic planning and installation. The two FOA topics are intended to support two types of entities - those that are experienced in solar PV resource management, interconnection, and deployment; and those that have little to no experience in photovoltaics (PV) deployment, management and interconnection. This FOA is part of the DOE SunShot Initiative and addresses the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) performance metric of increasing the viability and deployment of renewable energy technologies. Launched in 2011, the SunShot Initiative aims to make subsidy‐free solar energy cost‐competitive with conventional forms of energy by 2020. Under this FOA, applicants are invited to propose work scope in either Topic A or Topic B or both to be reviewed and considered for award. Within Topic A, applicants can choose either A-1 or A-2 or both to address in their proposal to be reviewed and considered for award. For a more detailed explanation for each topic area and a breakdown of each requirement, please see the FOA. The full Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is posted on the EERE eXCHANGE website at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov. Applications must be submitted through the EERE eXCHANGE website to be considered for award. Applicants must first register and create an account on the EERE eXCHANGE website. A User Guide for the EERE eXCHANGE can be found on the EERE website http://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangeExchange/Manuals.aspx after logging in to the system. Information on where to submit questions regarding the content of the announcement and where to submit questions regarding submission of applications is found in the full FOA posted on the EERE Exchange website.