The U.S. Department of Energy is offering $25 million in fundingto help software developers, solar companies and utilities accelerate the integrationof solar into the grid.

"One of the key challenges to further solar deployment isthe ability to integrate distributed generation sources like rooftop solar panelsinto the grid while balancing that generation with traditional utility generationto keep reliable and cost-effective power flowing to homes and businesses. Today'sfunding opportunity announcement will help support companies working to meet thatchallenge," the Department said in a May 2 news release.

The Enabling Extreme Real-Time Grid Integration of Solar Energy,or ENERGISE, initiative aims to develop 10 to 15 solutions that will be field-testedby utilities to demonstrate their performance and value in real-world operatingenvironments.