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Photo of NREL research buildings on the South Table Mountain site. The Field Test Laboratory Building is on the far left, the Solar Energy Research Facility is in the center, and the Science and Technology Facility is on the far right.

Learn about NREL's research and development of renewable fuels and electricity that advance national energy goals to change the way we power our homes, businesses, and cars.

Photo of a young woman and a man with a moustache, both wearing hardhats and dark safety glasses, standing outside in front of a large curved metal reflector. The man is holding a small square-shaped sample of the silver reflective surface, which replaces heavy glass mirrors in the design. The large reflector is streaked with snow and frost after a recent winter storm.

A new solar dish atop South Table Mountain resembles a funhouse mirror, but has serious intentions. The SkyTrough is coated with lightweight metal.

New Solar Technology Concentrates on Cost, Efficiency

The SkyTrough parabolic dish at NREL's South Table Mountain test site uses a reflective laminate over lightweight sheet metal to focus the sun's energy. The technology now being scrutinized by NREL engineers could make concentrating the sun's heat to generate electricity more efficient and affordable. "It's unlike any parabolic trough design used so far," says senior engineer Keith Gawlik. Full story

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