Success Stories and Accomplishments

NREL shows that two thin-film materials sandwiched together can absorb enough light to compete with thicker, more expensive, single-layer solar cells. The breakthrough ushers in an era of multi-junction cells, proving that the layered cells not only use a fraction of the precious electronic materials used by the bulkier flat-plate cells, but also generate more electricity over the course of a day.

The largest wind turbine manufacturers in the world conduct lifetime endurance tests at NREL to gauge 30 years' worth of wear to drive trains and gearboxes - all in a matter of months. NREL's powerful dynamometer runs at torque levels up to 9.6 million inch-pounds to simulate the effects of various wind conditions on the giant turbines, each of which can power hundreds of homes. Validation of their reliability can lead to less expensive energy.

NREL researchers are metaphorically putting sunglasses on buildings with a new generation of highly insulated "dynamic windows" that change color to modulate interior temperatures and lighting. If broadly installed, windows like these could save about 5 percent of the nation's total energy budget.

NREL researchers design a life-sized manikin called ADAM (Advanced Automotive Manikin) that sweats and shivers, reacting like a human would to the sweltering or freezing temperatures inside a car. Auto manufacturers turn to ADAM to try to lower air-conditioning fuel use, which accounts for about 7 billion gallons of U.S. fuel use each year.

NREL's public website OpenEI.org uses linked open data to gather local, national, and international energy information useful to consumers, utilities, and professionals. Also publicly available is NREL's Solar Advisor Model, a free, user-friendly tool that examines detailed performance, costs, and financing to determine the overall economic value of existing or proposed solar projects across all markets.

NREL's scorecard for the Net Zero Installation Energy program is pushing military bases to achieve net zero status. Fifty-three Army installations are shooting for Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Water, or Net Zero Waste. They reach these goals by installing solar panels or wind turbines, maximizing efficiency, and turning trash into energy.