Solar technologies use the sun’s energy to provide heat, light, hot
water, electricity, and even cooling, for homes, businesses, and
industry. Learn more about solar energy technologies
such as photovoltaic (solar cell) systems, concentrating solar systems,
passive solar heating and daylighting, solar hot water, and solar
process heat and space cooling.
NREL’s Solar Energy Technologies Program performs research in two major solar energy technologies.
Photovoltaic Research
NREL’s photovoltaic research
work encompasses fundamental research in PV-related materials; the
development of PV cells in several material systems; the
characterization of PV cells, modules, and systems to improve
performance and reliability; assisting industry with standardized tests
and performance models for PV devices; and helping the PV industry
accelerate manufacturing capacity and commercialization of various PV
technologies.
Solar Thermal Research
Concentrating Solar Power
— NREL plays a leadership role in analyzing cost and performance of
solar systems, developing parabolic trough technology for solar
electricity generation, and developing advanced technologies such as
concentrating photovoltaics. Researchers support the development of new
designs and manufacturing processes for solar components and systems
with an emphasis on improved performance, reliability and service life.
Solar Heating — NREL is working with the solar
industry to lower the cost of solar water heating systems. Laboratory
researchers provide assistance with prototype development of new
polymer (plastic) systems through modeling and optimization,
characterization of the systems’ performance, and accelerated materials
durability testing.
Solar thermal research is performed in NREL’s Electricity, Resources, and Building Systems Integration Center.
Solar Radiation Research
Optimal siting of renewable energy systems requires knowledge of the resource characteristics at any given location. NREL’s solar radiation research
and data collection is performed at the Solar Radiation Research
Laboratory. This unique research facility continually measures solar
radiation and other meteorological data and disseminates the
information to government, industry, academia, and international
laboratories and agencies. These data are used for climate change
studies, atmospheric research, renewable energy conversion system
testing, and more.
#14980
- Sunrise at the Solar Radiation Research Laboratory (SRRL):
The curved optics of the dome on this instrument distorted the horizon and cloud strata into an arc above the sensor
(the flat disk in the center). This view is looking through the dome toward the sunrise. In its day job, the instrument records
ultraviolet solar radiation, which is an important measurement for human health and to help predict materials degradation.
- Seasonally adjusted fixed-axis photovoltaic panels at the SunEdison photovoltaic power plant near Alamosa,
#05230
- Looking west near Taos, New Mexico, sunsets are truly spectacular.
Breathtaking panoramic views with ever changing color excites the minds
eye as the sun descends the horizon. Photo by Mike Linenberger
#05390
- SAIC built and designed this system that is on the mesa at NREL. It’s
features include: (1) lighter weight than previous designs, (2) 170 sq.
meters of surface area with 22 facets, each 3 meters in diameter, and
(3) stainless steel membranes stretched over stainless steel rings,
with silvered glass tiles attached for reflectivity. Photo by Warren
Gretz
#08033
- Sunrise over the PV panels at Dangling Rope Marina at Lake Powell, Utah.
Photo by Warren Gretz
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