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December 2017
NREL Projects Awarded Over $3M to Advance Novel Solar Forecasting Technologies
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) announced its selection of two projects led by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), each to receive over $1.5M on projects that will advance predictive modeling of solar power and improve grid reliability.
October 2017
News Release: NREL, University of Washington Scientists Elevate Quantum Dot Solar Cell World Record to 13.4 Percent
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) established a new world efficiency record for quantum dot solar cells, at 13.4 percent.
News Release: NREL Inks Technology Agreement for High Efficiency Multijunction Solar Cells
The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has entered into a license agreement with MicroLink Devices, Inc. (Niles, IL) to commercialize NREL's patented inverted metamorphic (IMM) multijunction solar cells.
NREL Findings Could Lead to More Reliable Solar Cells
New research shows how to increase reliability of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film solar cells. Key to the improvement is the use of photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy to identify defects in the solar cell that lower its efficiency and cause degradation.
Driving Down PV Costs by Streamlining Project Data
NREL is teaming with a range of stakeholders on the Orange Button initiative to drive the creation and adoption of industry-led, open data standards for seamless data exchange across the solar industry.
At NASEO Meetings, NREL's Solar Technical Assistance Team Gains States' Perspectives
NREL's Solar Technical Assistance Team attends meetings of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) to stay up-to-date with the needs and concerns of state officials.
New REopt Lite Tool Allows Building Owners to Optimize PV and Battery System Sizes
The REopt Lite web tool helps building owners evaluate the economics of grid-connected solar photovoltaics (PV) and battery storage at commercial sites.
September 2017
NREL Charts the Emergence of Corporate Procurement of Utility-Scale PV
Corporations and other institutions have contracted for more than 2,300 megawatts of off-site solar, using power purchase agreements (PPAs), green tariffs, or bilateral deals with utilities.
News Release: NREL Investigates Coatings Needed for Concentrating Solar Power
Keeping storage tank corrosion rates to a minimum considered vital for use of molten salts
News Release: NREL Report Shows Utility-Scale Solar PV System Cost Fell Nearly 30% Last Year
The installed cost of solar power fell to record lows in the first quarter of 2017 because of the continuing decline in photovoltaic (PV) module and inverter prices, higher module efficiency, and lower labor costs, according to an analysis by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
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Last Updated May 5, 2025