What is the Solar Energy Research Institute?

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) was first envisioned as the Solar Energy Research Institute in response to the oil embargo crisis of 1973–74, as part of a national effort to find new, more reliable sources of energy.

What is solar energy research at NREL?

One of the main buildings for PV research at NREL is the Solar Energy Research Facility (SERF). Examples of research conducted at the SERF include semiconductor material research, prototype solar cell production, and measurement and characterization of solar cell and module performance.

What is photovoltaic research at NREL?

Photovoltaic research at NREL is performed under the National Center for Photovoltaics (NCPV). A primary mission of the NCPV is to support ongoing efforts of the DOE's SunShot Initiative, which wants to increase the availability of solar power at a cost competitive with other energy sources.

Where can we find the best data about solar energy generation?

Research into solar energy generation and use at the University of Sheffield provides some of the best data the UK has about real-time estimates of the generation from the GB PV fleet to the energy industry.

What is the solar energy technologies office?

The Solar Energy Technologies Office is responsible for partnering with the national labs and its researchers to develop innovations that lower the costs of solar energy.

What is solar University-national lab Ultra-effective program (Sun up)?

NREL brings in dozens of students annually through the Solar University-National lab Ultra-effective Program (SUN UP), which was created to facilitate existing and new interactions between universities and the laboratory. The lab maintains a number of research partnerships for PV research.