The U.S. Department of Energy will spend $17.6 million on solar projects, helping six projects in early stages of manufacturing advanced solar photovoltaic technologies. The research is estimated to cost $35.4 million, including cost share from the solar industry.

"These projects will help promote the development of a diverse set of photovoltaic technologies and ensure that the U.S. is a world leader in next-generation, cost-effective solar technologies," John Mizroch, acting assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy, said in a statement.

The funds are essentially an incubator for solar photovoltaic technologies, speeding up the time it will take companies to bring their products to market. The six companies receiving funding include 1366 Technologies (North Lexington, Massachusetts), Innovalight (Sunnyvale, California) and Skyline Solar (Mountain View, California). Each company will receive up to $3 million for an 18-month project. 1366 Technologies will use its investment to develop a new photovoltaic-cell architecture and reduce costs for silicon cells. Innovalight is improving ink-jet printed silicon wafers. Skyline Solar will work on the manufacturing and installation costs of its concentrating system.