S. 2668 would authorize the appropriation of $270 million annually through 2024 for the Department of Energy (DOE) to research, develop, test, evaluate, and demonstrate solar energy technologies. The bill would recodify existing DOE activities related to those technologies and would direct the department to establish new programs. Under S. 2668, DOE would:
Award grants and provide technical assistance for entities to research, develop, and demonstrate various solar energy technologies;
Perform precompetitive research and development activities;
Maintain or establish demonstration facilities;
Establish prize competitions;
Conduct education and outreach activities;
Create a solar energy technologies database in coordination with other federal agencies; and