Photovoltaic Research

NREL's capabilities in photovoltaics (PV) range across fundamental and applied research and development (R&D), including theory and modeling, materials deposition, device design, measurements and characterization, and reliability testing and engineering.

Our PV R&D emphasizes innovation in the following PV conversion technologies:

• Silicon materials and devices
• Polycrystalline thin-film materials and devices
• III-V multijunction materials and devices
• New materials, devices, and processes.

Our PV R&D also includes:

• Measurements and Characterization
• Performance and Reliability
• Engineering.

Concentrating Solar Power Research

In concentrating solar power (CSP), NREL plays a leadership role in the following:

• Supporting the development of new designs, materials, and manufacturing processes for solar components and systems with an emphasis on improved performance, reliability, and service life
• Developing power tower and parabolic trough technology for solar electricity generation
• Analyzing the cost, performance, and value of solar systems.

Solar Grid and Systems Integration

NREL research addresses the technical challenges associated with integrating PV technologies into a stable grid. This research is closely coordinated with work in the National Center for Photovoltaics and the Energy Systems Integration Facility. Key areas of solar systems integration include:

• Integration with the electric grid
• Modeling, including the System Advisor Model (SAM)
• PV engineering
• PV performance reliability and safety
• Solar resource sensing, measurement, and forecasting
• Technology systems analysis.

Solar Market Research and Analysis

Through rigorous data collection, analysis, and stakeholder engagement, NREL's solar market research and analysis efforts further solar technologies' role in supporting a more efficient and better performing U.S. electricity system. This cross-cutting set of activities leverages NREL's unique analytical and deployment capabilities.

Learn more about solar market research and analysis at NREL.