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March 2020
Ready, Set, ... Innovate! Round 2 of American-Made Solar Prize Celebrates Successful Competition Day
After months of hard work, the efforts of American-Made Solar Prize Round 2 teams have been rewarded at Set! Demo Day, with 10 finalist teams each winning $100,000 in cash prizes and $75,000 in support vouchers to be used at national laboratories and other partner facilities.
NREL-Led Research into Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Cells Shows New Path to Take
Researchers at NREL, working in collaboration with their counterparts in the Republic of Korea, have validated the potential of using a combination of perovskite and silicon to create solar cells that are more than 30% efficient. Their initial solar cell achieved a certified efficiency of 26.2%.
Photovoltaics Pioneer and NREL Alumna Sarah Kurtz Honored by National Academy of Engineering
World-renowned photovoltaics expert and longtime NREL alumna Sarah Kurtz was recently elected to the National Academy of Engineering for her contributions to the development of high-efficiency solar cells and leadership in solar cell reliability and quality.
JISEA Celebrates a Decade of Energy System Transformation Through Analysis
Ten years since its founding, the Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis continues to provide critical insights linking energy, society, and prosperity around the world.
Analysis Reveals PV Systems in the U.S. Operating as Expected
The vast majority of solar panels are living up to expectations for energy production after five years, according to a new analysis of 100,000 photovoltaic (PV) systems across the United States.
News Release: NREL Research Boosts Stability of Perovskites, Helps Silicon Solar Cells
A change in chemical composition enabled scientists to boost the longevity and efficiency of a perovskite solar cell developed at NREL. The new formula enabled the solar cell to resist a stability problem that has so far thwarted the commercialization of perovskites.
Bifacial Solar Advances with the Times—and the Sun
Traditional solar modules convert light to electricity using photovoltaic cells on the top side of the panels. Now, NREL researchers are shining a light on what lies beneath. Data from June through November 2019 revealed up to a 9% gain in energy production using bifacial panels compared with their one-sided cousins.
February 2020
News Release: Researchers Improve Safety of Lead-Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Researchers at NREL and Northern Illinois University have developed a technique to sequester the lead used to make perovskite solar cells, a highly efficient emerging photovoltaic technology.
Latest Data Book Shows U.S. Renewable Capacity Surpassed 20% for First Time in 2018
New edition also shows continued growth in U.S. installed wind and solar photovoltaic capacity, energy storage, and electric vehicle sales.
HOPE Program Offers Students Unparalleled Access to World's Leading Solar Researchers
The Hands-On Photovoltaic Experience is aimed at providing in-depth training and expertise on the latest in solar technology and advancements, with the benefit of individualized research training and access in a small-group setting.
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Last Updated May 5, 2025