Research and Development

Photo of a researcher using a scanning electron microscope at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

This scanning electron microscope at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is used for the electrical and optical characterization of semiconductors.

The Solar America Initiative's research and development (R&D) activities focus on two primary solar technologies for power generation: photovoltaics and concentrating solar power. The Solar America Initiative's R&D activities provide significant opportunities for collaboration among industry, university, and national laboratory researchers to develop and improve solar energy technologies.

Research Approach

The Solar America Initiative's R&D approach involves activities that range from novel devices and processes to product and manufacturing process design. Technology roadmaps identify key needs in various solar technologies and support the Solar America Initiative R&D activities. The roadmaps were developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and experts from national laboratories, universities, and private industry.

Our R&D activities are divided into the following three categories:

New Devices and Processes—These research and development activities address the development of novel photovoltaic or concentrating solar power devices or processes with potentially significant performance or cost advantages.
Prototype Components and Systems—These R&D activities emphasize development of photovoltaic or concentrating solar power prototype components or systems produced at pilot-scale with demonstrated cost, reliability, or performance advantages.
Systems Development and Manufacturing—These R&D activities focus on photovoltaic or concentrating solar power components and systems that are ready for mass production and capable of delivering energy at target costs.

The Solar America Initiative's Market Transformation activities address barriers to commercialization of solar energy technologies.