Feature Stories
The following feature stories take an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how NREL is advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
July 2018
July 16, 2018
Improved Way to Make III-V Solar Cells Could Hold Key to Lower Costs
Scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are refining an old technique called hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE), which holds the potential to produce cheaper, more efficient solar cells.
July 2, 2018
Chunmei Ban is Getting Charge Out of Battery Research by Finding Right Chemistry
Growing up in remote northwest China, researcher Chunmei Ban seemed destined to be a doctor--but decided to be a scientist, although she didn't know what scientists do.
May 2018
May 31, 2018
NREL Connects with the Community--Next Door and Across the Country
Although NREL's recent community open house is a highly visible outreach effort, it is only one of many connecting the laboratory with communities in Colorado and across the country.
May 22, 2018
Breakdown Breakthrough: NREL Finds Easier Ways to Deconstruct Biomass
Technical challenges have stymied efforts to produce bioethanol on a commercial scale, but research underway at NREL may hold the key to overcoming those barriers.
April 2018
April 20, 2018
NREL and Hawaiian Electric Navigate Uncharted Waters of Energy Transformation (Part 2)
NREL and the Hawaiian Electric Companies are evaluating energy trends and simulating future grid scenarios to ensure stability--and their findings could help other islands, and even mainland states, apply similar solutions.
April 20, 2018
NREL and Hawaiian Electric Navigate Uncharted Waters of Energy Transformation (Part 1)
NREL helped the Hawaiian Electric Companies respond to new stability challenges associated with the rapid addition of solar power and other renewables to Hawaii's six isolated island grids.
April 12, 2018
NREL Research Pushes Perovskites Closer to Market
NREL has played a significant role in the increased efficiency of perovskite solar cells.
April 4, 2018
From Preble's Mouse to Rattlers, NREL Biologist Likes Critters
Looking out over the "living laboratory" of NREL's campus, Senior Wildlife Biologist Tom Ryon sees a tapestry that others may not. Everywhere he goes, he can't avoid interactions with nature. Nor does he want to.
March 2018
March 13, 2018
Return of the Lambkins: Practice Makes Perfect at Colorado Science Bowl
An experienced hand at the buzzer proved to be the formula for success at this year's Colorado High School Science Bowl--hosted by NREL - where 41 teams from across the state competed for a shot to represent Colorado at the DOE National Science Bowl® in April. The teams worked tirelessly through the morning's round-robin competition, 16 of them advancing to the afternoon double-elimination.
January 2018
January 30, 2018
Dave Moore: Taking Roundabout Path to Perovskite Fast Track
Perovskites become a passion for a scientist who had an "experience edge" over other students.
