The term “critical material” has the meaning given the term in section 1606 of title 30.
The term “economically distressed area” means an area described in section 3161(a) of this title.
The term “Indian Tribe” has the meaning given the term in section 5304 of title 25.
The term “institution of higher education” has the meaning given the term in section 1001 of title 20.
The term “minority-serving institution” has the meaning given the term “eligible institution” in section 1067q(a) of title 20.
The term “National Laboratory” has the meaning given such term in section 15801(3) of this title.
The term “Native Hawaiian community-based organization” has the meaning given the term in section 7517 of title 20.
The term “territory or freely associated state” has the meaning given the term “insular area” in section 3103 of title 7.
The term “Tribal energy development organization” has the meaning given the term “tribal energy development organization” in section 3501 of title 25.
The term “Tribal organization” has the meaning given the term in section 5304 of title 25.
The Secretary shall establish a program to conduct research, development, demonstration, and commercialization of solar energy technologies in accordance with this subsection.
Not later than 180 days after December 27, 2020, the Secretary shall establish targets for the program to address near-term (up to 2 years), mid-term (up to 7 years), and long-term (up to 15 years) challenges to the advancement of all types of solar energy systems.
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall coordinate activities under the program with other relevant programs and capabilities of the Department and other Federal research programs.
Not less than once every two years, the Secretary shall conduct a national solicitation for applications for demonstration projects under this section.
In addition to the program activities described in paragraph (2), in carrying out the program, the Secretary shall award financial assistance to eligible entities for research, development, demonstration, and commercialization projects to advance new solar energy manufacturing technologies and techniques.
Not later than 3 years after December 27, 2020, and every 4 years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct, and make available to the public and the relevant committees of Congress, an independent review of the progress of the grants awarded under subparagraph (A).
In carrying out the activities authorized under this subsection, the Secretary shall give special consideration to projects that recover critical materials.
In carrying out the activities authorized under this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure proper security controls are in place to protect proprietary or sensitive information, as appropriate.
Not later than September 1, 2022, the Secretary shall establish a comprehensive physical property database of materials for use in solar energy technologies, which shall identify the type, quantity, country of origin, source, significant uses, projected availability, and physical properties of materials used in solar energy technologies.
Not later than September 1, 2022, and every 6 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the strategic vision, progress, goals, and targets of the program, including assessments of solar energy markets and manufacturing.