Small business looks at the Federal solar scene and feels locked out. [Comparison of NSF-RANN solar program and achievements of private individuals on solar research]

Journal Article · Fri Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1975 · Prof. Eng. (Wash., D.C.); (United States)

OSTI ID:7193736

Plunkett, J D

Over a period of three years, Materials Consultants, Inc., a small R and D firm engaged in projects for government agencies and private firms, has contacted the National Science Foundation's RANN program to gain funds for research, especially solar projects, but to no avail the author states. Many meritorious projects were presented to NSF-RANN and all have been rejected. The author contents that the NSF-RANN program has spent much money, but has produced no technology or innovations as important as those achieved by many private researches. After analyzing the state of affairs on solar energy at NSF, he then offers six recommendations in regard to solar energy research: (1) the Federal government, under ERDA, should redirect the solar heating and cooling program away from research toward demonstration; (2) ERDA should undertake a careful and comprehensive analysis of the program in terms of its scope, function, purpose, funding level, and operation; (3) ERDA should establish an affirmative action program for small business in conjunction with the Small Business Administration, beginning with solar heating and cooling, but extending to other energy options within a period of one year; (4) specific targets should be set for small business procurement levels to be increased for 1980, 1985, and 1990; (5) each state should establish a solar center that would work with local small business to assist with the adoption of solar heating and cooling; and (6) a center should be established at a selected point in the U.S. to work directly with individual innovators. (MCW)

• OSTI ID: 7193736
• Journal Information: Prof. Eng. (Wash., D.C.); (United States), Journal Name: Prof. Eng. (Wash., D.C.); (United States) Vol. 45:8; ISSN PENRB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140900 -- Solar Thermal Utilization
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
299001* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Solar-- (1989-)
BUDGETS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COST
EDUCATION
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCES
ENGINEERING
INDUSTRY
LEGISLATION
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SOLAR ENERGY
US ORGANIZATIONS