NREL's solar energy research covers photovoltaics, concentrating solar power, solar grid and systems integration, and market research and analysis.
One of the main buildings for PV research at NREL is the Solar Energy Research Facility (SERF). Examples of research conducted at the SERF include semiconductor material research, prototype solar cell production, and measurement and characterization of solar cell and module performance.
The Solar Futures Study is a report by the U.S Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) that explores the role of solar energy in achieving a decarbonized grid by 2035 and a decarbonized energy system by 2050. The Solar Futures Study does research, development, demonstration, and deployment assistance for solar energy.
What does a solar office do?
The Solar office in the Department of Energy supports the development of low-cost, high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) technologies to make solar power more accessible. Systems integration research in SETO helps advance the reliable, resilient, secure, and affordable integration of solar energy onto the nation's grid.
Photovoltaic research at NREL is performed under the National Center for Photovoltaics (NCPV). A primary mission of the NCPV is to support ongoing efforts of the DOE's SunShot Initiative, which wants to increase the availability of solar power at a cost competitive with other energy sources.
What is the solar energy research group?
The Solar Energy research group focuses on the development of affordable solar energy technologies and allied devices. We provide solutions to counter energy challenges that can lead us towards a sustainable future.
Solar workforce development refers to online training, on-the-job training, curriculum development, and other activities that prepare people for careers in the solar industry. Solar workforce development includes various publications from SETO explaining the office's activities, projects, and goals.