Interconnection with the grid remains a hurdle as well, despite utilities claiming that they want more solar on the grid.

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As important as the funding is, DOE will also partner with the award winners to address issues such as market analysis, technology development, deployment, instrumentation and data analysis, the mitigation of environmental impacts, and grid interconnection.

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For example, in the mid-Atlantic, the organization that operates the power grid, PJM Interconnection LLC, has given the green light to only part of the proposed Allegheny and Dominion projects to meet power needs.

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