On the heels of several new loan closings and conditional commitment offers for some of the country’s largest renewable projects announced this summer, the Department of Energy, through the Loan Programs Office, is launching a new manufacturing solicitation and online application portal.

DOE’s new Commercial Technology Manufacturing Systems and Components solicitation is accepting applications for projects that manufacture commercial technology renewable energy systems and components, such as wind turbine systems, blades or solar photovoltaic components.  The first Part I deadline is September 30, 2010, and the first Part II deadline is November 30, 2010.  Applicants who are interested in the new solicitation are required to apply via DOE’s new, user-friendly online application portal.

DOE’s new online application portal – launched today – is designed to make the application process easier and more efficient.  The portal provides easier access to the Department’s open solicitations for loan guarantees while creating a simpler, faster process for applicants.  Rather than submitting hundreds of pages of printed materials, applicants can now quickly upload documents online in a standard format and receive instantaneous feedback, reducing the time it takes to fill out -- as well as review -- the application.  Applicants who want to apply for loan guarantees for all open solicitations are encouraged to use the online portal.