Solar with Wildlife and Ecosystem Benefits 2 (SolWEB2)

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), through its Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), has released the Solar with Wildlife and Ecosystem Benefits 2 (SolWEB2) funding opportunity announcement (FOA DE-FOA-0003492). This initiative aims to support research and development (R&D), technical assistance, and stakeholder engagement to enhance the compatibility of large-scale solar (LSS) facilities with wildlife and ecosystems while advancing agrivoltaics, the dual use of land for both solar energy production and agriculture. As the demand for solar energy grows, projected to require 5.6 million acres of land by 2035, this FOA seeks to address challenges related to wildlife conservation, land-use conflicts, and sustainable agricultural practices. The program is divided into two main topic areas. Topic Area 1 focuses on improving the compatibility of LSS facilities with wildlife through research, technical assistance, and stakeholder engagement. It is divided into two areas of interest: Strategies to Mitigate Adverse Impacts on and/or Maximize Benefits to Wildlife, requiring a 20% cost share, and Wildlife-Solar Energy Technical Assistance and Stakeholder Engagement, which does not require cost sharing. Topic Area 2 is dedicated to Agrivoltaics Technical Assistance and Stakeholder Engagement and seeks to disseminate best practices, foster collaboration, and support cross-sector partnerships. Projects in Topic Area 2 also do not require cost sharing. Both topic areas emphasize practical strategies for minimizing environmental impacts and enhancing ecosystem benefits while advancing solar energy infrastructure. Approximately $11 million in funding is available for FY 2025, with $8 million allocated to Topic Area 1 and $3 million to Topic Area 2. For Topic Area 1, 2–5 awards are anticipated, with funding amounts ranging from $1 million to $3 million per award and a project period of 24–48 months. Topic Area 2 is expected to issue 1–3 awards, each valued between $1 million and $3 million, with a project duration of 24–36 months. Tribal applicants benefit from a reduced cost share requirement of 10% under Topic Area 1, Area of Interest 1, as per the DOE’s blanket cost share reduction policy. Eligible applicants include domestic institutions of higher education, for-profit entities, nonprofit organizations, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), state and local governments, and Indian Tribes. Foreign entities are generally ineligible unless a waiver is granted, and all project activities must be performed in the United States unless a waiver for foreign work is approved. Collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including solar developers, conservation groups, and Tribal governments, is encouraged to ensure inclusive and impactful project outcomes. The application process requires a concept paper, due on February 14, 2025, and a full application, due on May 2, 2025. An informational webinar will be held on January 9, 2025, to provide guidance to potential applicants. Selected projects will be notified by July 15, 2025, with anticipated awards beginning on January 1, 2026, and lasting until December 2028 or 2029. Projects will be structured with multiple budget periods, subject to Go/No-Go reviews by DOE for continued funding. Evaluation criteria will focus on technical merit, innovation, stakeholder engagement, and the potential for projects to deliver measurable improvements in the compatibility of LSS facilities with wildlife and agricultural systems. Proposals should outline clear objectives, include detailed technical and management plans, and demonstrate measurable outcomes aligned with DOE’s goals. Partnerships with relevant stakeholders and evidence of commitment through letters of support are strongly encouraged. The initiative ultimately aims to reduce conflicts related to solar deployment, promote environmental stewardship, and support equitable and sustainable growth in the solar energy sector.