The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) has announced an opportunity that may be of interest to the solid-state lighting community. The LPO invests in the power of American innovation to accelerate the deployment of innovative clean-energy projects across the U.S. in order to avoid, reduce, or sequester greenhouse gases. To date, it has supported a large, diverse portfolio of more than US $30 billion in loans, loan guarantees, and commitments that have covered more than 30 projects nationwide, generating over US $50 billion in total project investment, supporting job creation, cutting pollution, and enhancing American competitiveness in the global economy.

The LPO has more than US $40 billion in remaining loan and loan guarantee authority to finance innovative projects, and applications are currently being accepted for the Renewable Energy and Efficient Energy (REEE) Projects Solicitation, which is offered through the Innovative Clean Energy Loan Guarantee Program under Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Eligible projects must utilize a new or significantly improved technology; avoid, reduce or sequester greenhouse gases; be located in the United States; and have reasonable prospect of repayment. Past successful applicants have included solid-state lighting manufacturing projects.

The recommended minimum loan amount is US $20 million, which covers up to 80% of the project cost. The application fee is US $50,000. REEE Solicitation Part I and Part II are both due on November 30, 2016, between 12:01 am and 12:59 pm EST. Visit the Application Process page and the LPO Online Application Portal for more information on how to apply. Before beginning an application, potential applicants are strongly encouraged to review Title XVII project eligibility requirements; understand all applicable fees; read the entire relevant open solicitation; and refer to Title XVII governing documents, environmental compliance requirements, and frequently asked questions about the loan guarantee program.