Download article

The U.S. Department of Energy has created an online resource to help researchers, manufacturers, and distributors locate funding opportunities to help advance and deploy innovative, energy-saving solid-state lighting (SSL) products. Please note that DOE does not necessarily endorse or administer the programs or resources listed. You will find the opportunities and resources listed below and more at ssl.energy.gov/ incentives.html.

DOE Lighting Programs
R&D R&D M MD SSL Core Technology projects focus on applied research needed to advance the technical knowledge base for SSL to be used for general illumination applications. Updates are posted at ssl.energy.gov.
SSL Product Development projects seek to develop or improve commercially viable materials, devices, or systems. Updates are posted at ssl.energy.gov.
Manufacturing Support projects advance the technology’s adoption by making
SSL competitive with existing technologies on a first-cost basis. Learn more at
ssl.energy.gov.
The L Prize® is a government-sponsored technology competition to spur lighting manufacturers to develop high-quality, high-efficiency SSL products to replace
the common light bulb. Learn more at lightingprize.org.
Other DOE Funding Programs
R&D R&D MD The Office of Science provides basic research grants through an annual solicitation process. Learn more at science.doe.gov/grants.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants provide funding for competitions among small businesses. Learn more at science.energy.gov/sbir.
The Tribal Energy Program promotes tribal energy sufficiency, economic
growth, and employment on tribal lands through the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Learn more at eere.energy.gov/ tribalenergy.

Helpful Resources
• The Database of State Incentives
for Renewables and Efficiency
(DSIRE) provides information on
state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Learn more at dsireusa.org.
• Grants.gov is a source to find and apply for federal government grants.
Recovery Act Funding Resources
• Recovery.gov provides current data on the use of Recovery Act funds.
The site includes information about
federal grant awards and contracts as well as formula grant allocations. Federal agencies provide data on how they are using funds, and prime recipients of funding detail how they are using their funds. As money starts to flow, more data will become available.
• Learn about DOE Recovery Act
funding at energy.gov/recovery-act.
Know a funding resource that is not listed here? Please contact doe.ssl.updates@ee.doe.gov.

Additional Funding Opportunities
Additional funding opportunities can be utilized to advance SSL.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Programs
M The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEP) provides companies with services and access to resources that enhance growth, improve productivity, and expand capacity. Learn more at nist.gov/mep.
United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Programs
MD The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants and loans to
help rural small businesses and agricultural producers make energy efficiency
improvements. Learn more at www.rurdev.usda.gov/energy.html.
United States Department of Treasury (Internal Revenue Service) Tax Incentives
MD The Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction allows building owners to deduct the entire cost of a lighting or building upgrade in the year the equipment is placed in service. Learn more at lightingtaxdeduction.org.
For More information
For more information on these incentives, see ssl.energy.gov/incentives.html.