Solar energy research at NREL includes photovoltaics, concentrating solar power, solar grid and systems integration, and market research and analysis.
Photovoltaic Research
NREL's capabilities in photovoltaics (PV) range across fundamental and applied research and development (R&D), including theory and modeling, materials deposition, device design, measurements and characterization, and reliability testing and engineering.
Our PV R&D emphasizes innovation in the following PV conversion technologies:
- Silicon materials and devices
- Polycrystalline thin-film materials and devices
- III-V multijunction materials and devices
- New materials, devices, and processes.
Our PV R&D also includes:
Concentrating Solar Power Research
In concentrating solar power (CSP), NREL plays a leadership role in the following:
- Supporting the development of new designs, materials, and manufacturing processes for solar components and systems with an emphasis on improved performance, reliability, and service life
- Developing power tower and parabolic trough technology for solar electricity generation
- Analyzing the cost, performance, and value of solar systems.
Solar Grid and Systems Integration
NREL research addresses the technical challenges associated with integrating PV technologies into a stable grid. This research is closely coordinated with work in the National Center for Photovoltaics and the Energy Systems Integration Facility. Key areas of solar systems integration include:
Solar Market Research and Analysis
Through rigorous data collection, analysis, and stakeholder engagement, NREL's solar market research and analysis efforts further solar technologies' role in supporting a more efficient and better performing U.S. electricity system. This cross-cutting set of activities leverages NREL's unique analytical and deployment capabilities.
Learn more about solar market research and analysis at NREL.
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.