Learn About Solar Energy
Solar technologies use the sun's energy to provide electricity, heat, light, hot water, and even cooling for homes, businesses, and industry. Learn more about solar energy technologies such as photovoltaic (solar electric) systems, concentrating solar power systems, passive solar heating and daylighting, solar hot water, and solar process heat and space cooling.
NREL performs research in two major branches of solar energy:
- Photovoltaics (also called solar electric systems)
- Solar thermal systems.
Photovoltaic Research
NREL's photovoltaic (PV) research covers the full spectrum from fundamental studies in PV-related materials to commercialization. This work includes:
- Developing and improving PV cells in several material systems
- Developing advanced technologies such as concentrating photovoltaics and organic photovoltaics
- Characterizing PV cells, modules, and systems to improve performance and reliability
- Assisting industry with standardized tests and performance models for PV devices
- Helping the PV industry accelerate manufacturing capacity and commercialization.
Learn more about photovoltaics research at NREL.
Solar Thermal Research
NREL researchers are improving concentrating solar power (CSP) and solar heating technologies.
Concentrating Solar Power
NREL plays a leadership role in the following:
- Analyzing cost and performance of solar systems
- Developing parabolic trough technology for solar electricity generation
- Supporting the development of new designs and manufacturing processes for solar components and systems with an emphasis on improved performance, reliability, and service life.
Learn more about concentrating solar power research at NREL.
Solar Heating
NREL works with the solar industry to lower the cost of solar water heating systems. Laboratory researchers assist with prototype development of new polymer (plastic) systems through modeling and optimization, characterization of system performance, and accelerated testing of materials durability.
Solar thermal research is performed in NREL's Electricity, Resources, and Building Systems Integration Center.
Solar Radiation Research
Optimal siting of solar energy systems requires knowledge of the solar resource characteristics at any given location. NREL's solar radiation research and data collection are performed at the Solar Radiation Research Laboratory. This unique research facility measures solar radiation and other meteorological data continuously and shares the information with government agencies, industry, academia, and international laboratories and agencies. These data are used for climate change studies, atmospheric research, renewable energy conversion system testing, and more.
Solar radiation research is performed in NREL's Electricity, Resources, and Building Systems Integration Center.
