DOE Announces $11 Million Funding to Support Wildlife-Friendly Large-Scale Solar Projects

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) has announced the Solar with Wildlife and Ecosystem Benefits 2 (SolWEB2) funding opportunity, offering up to $11 million to enhance the compatibility of large-scale solar (LSS) facilities with wildlife and agriculture.

The funding will support research, development, technical assistance, and stakeholder engagement to improve LSS siting processes, addressing concerns about wildlife habitats and agricultural land use, which often face public opposition.

With over 5,000 LSS facilities established in the U.S. over the past decade and continued growth expected, SolWEB2 aims to help stakeholders make informed decisions and develop strategies that benefit ecosystems and local communities.

Awards will range from $1 million to $3 million, with three to eight awards expected. A concept paper is due by February 14 at 5 p.m. ET, and SETO will hold a webinar on January 9 at 3 p.m. ET for more details.

For more on other open funding opportunities from DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, visit their website.