Solar Research

For more than 40 years, NREL has led innovation in solar research, enabling the U.S. solar industry to grow rapidly as solar energy becomes more affordable and reliable than ever.

Research Challenges

A researcher looking through illuminated solar optics.

We work toward finding solutions for today's solar R&D challenges, which include:

Integrating large amounts of solar energy into the power grid while maintaining security and reliability, and enhancing resilience
Improving the efficiency, lifetimes, and manufacturability of photovoltaic materials
Developing technologies for a third generation of concentrating solar power plants to further reduce costs and improve thermal storage capabilities
Capturing surplus solar energy to provide heat and produce fuels and clean water
Creating flexible, highly efficient solar cells that can make low-cost power available without wires anywhere the sun shines
Making solar an even better investment through work on bankability, reliability, and critical materials.

Research Areas

Solar research at NREL is multifaceted, incorporating basic energy science, engineering, and energy analysis.

A researcher holding a solar thin-film square.

Photovoltaics

Our photovoltaic (PV) research is improving the affordability, reliability, and manufacturing of commercial PV technologies. We also discover and develop next-generation PV technologies that promise greater affordability—on and off the grid.

Concentrating Solar Power

Through a range of scientific, engineering, and analytical expertise, along with facilities and tools, NREL is working to ensure concentrating solar–thermal power (CSP)—with integral long-duration thermal energy storage—can provide reliable heat for industrial processes and firm electricity. Our CSP research goes beyond electricity generation to process heat, hybrid power plants, and desalination.

Workers installing solar rooftop panels.

Solar Market Research and Analysis

NREL conducts solar market research and analysis, gathering datasets and developing tools, to inform the efficient and affordable adoption of solar energy to benefit industries and households across the United States.

Two researchers looking at large computer monitors displaying charts and data.

Solar Grid and Systems Integration

Our research addresses the technical challenges associated with integrating solar electric technologies into a stable grid. Key areas include:

Energy-to-grid integration

Grid interconnection standards

PV reliability and system performance

Solar measurement and modeling.

A worker in a solar module manufacturing plant.

Solar Tech to Market

We connect NREL's leading research, staff expertise, and facilities with private companies to support investigation, validation, and commercialization of solar technologies. By enabling early-stage solar technology and supporting the development of a skilled workforce, NREL strengthens the market and prepares solar for greater investment and commercialization. Whether supporting individual companies or leveraging American innovation and competitive spirit through the American-Made Solar Prize challenges, we help move technology to market and increase U.S. manufacturing and competitiveness.