By Kari Williamson

The aim is to accelerate American innovation in solar energy and manufacturing by supporting advancements in hardware, reductions in soft costs, and the development of pilot manufacturing and production projects.

"Investments in American energy and manufacturing are critical building blocks for an American economy built to last," says Secretary Chu. "The SunShot Incubator programme fosters the innovative small businesses that will rapidly bring technological advances to market and pioneer a new era in American energy."

The SunShot Incubator programme helps launch solar start-ups and business units within existing companies to accelerate the innovative solar technology development.