WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman today congratulated Silicon Solar Solutions, an Arkansas-based startup, on receiving the SunShot Initiative Award from the U.S. Department of Energy. Silcon Solar Solutions, which was founded by entrepreneur Dr. Douglas Hutchings, is located in the Arkansas Research and Technology Park in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
“Silicon Solar Solutions has not only been a leader in our state, but across the nation when it comes to advancements in solar energy,” Pryor said. “Arkansas is proud to claim them as our own, and we look forward to seeing them build on their success with the SunShot Initiative Award. Our nation’s energy future is in good hands with innovative companies like Silicon Solar Solutions at the helm.”
“I congratulate Silicon Solar Solutions for its solar manufacturing innovations which help ease our dependence on foreign oil and gas,” Boozman said. “This national recognition shows that pioneering manufacturers are successful in Arkansas, due to our skilled workforce, business-friendly environment, transportation infrastructure, and low operating costs.”
“It’s an honor to be receiving this prestigious award and it represents a major milestone for our company. The SunShot Incubator has enabled us to partner with leaders in industry to transition our technology from the lab to the market,” said Dr. Douglas Hutchings, CEO of Silcon Solar Solutions. “Successful completion of this project will perfectly position our technology to play a major part in reducing the cost of solar-generated electricity.”
As a SunShot Initiative Award recipient, Silicon Solar Solution will receive $500,000 in funding to support the continued development and incorporation of their technologies. The award will also allow Silcon Solar Solutions to label their technologies and research with the SunShot brand, which is a symbol of excellence in energy development and processing.
