Photovoltaic (PV) technologies – more commonly known as solar panels – generate power using devices that absorb energy from sunlight and convert it into electrical energy through semiconducting materials. These devices, known as solar cells, are then connected to form larger power-generating units known as modules or panels. Learn more about how PV works.
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) supports PV research and development projects that drive down the costs of solar-generated electricity by improving efficiency and reliability. PV research projects at SETO work to maintain U.S. leadership in the field, with a strong record of impact over the past several decades. Approximately half the world’s solar cell efficiency records, which are tracked by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, were supported by the DOE, mostly by SETO PV research. SETO is working toward a levelized cost of $0.02 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for utility-scale solar photovoltaics, $0.04 per kWh for commercial PV systems, and $0.05 per kWh for residential rooftop PV systems.
In September 2021, DOE released the Solar Futures Study, a report that explores the role of solar energy in achieving these goals as part of a decarbonized U.S. electric grid. Learn more about SETO’s goals.
Within SETO’s PV research area, efforts are focused on several topics. Learn more about them below.
Research Topics
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The reliability of PV systems refers to the ability of these technologies to dependably produce power over a long and predictable service lifetime.March 7, 2024 -
PV system design and energy yield research aims to understand how solar installations can be configured and operated to maximize energy generation.April 10, 2023
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PV cell and module technology research aims to improve efficiency and reliability, lower manufacturing costs, and lower the cost of solar electricity. -
Dual-use photovoltaic (PV) technologies, also known as dual-use PV, are a type of PV application where the PV panels serve another function besides the generation of electricity.
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End-of-life management for PV refers to the processes that occur when solar panels and all other components are retired from operation.December 2, 2024
SETO funding for PV research is awarded for innovative concepts and experimental designs across a range of technology approaches that show promise to achieve significant cost reductions and enable faster wide-scale deployment. These projects focus on concepts that could achieve commercial success in the short term or as long as 10-20 years. This creates an innovation ecosystem in the United States, supporting the long-term growth of the solar industry.
Projects in this research area are managed by the photovoltaics team and the manufacturing and competitiveness team. Learn more about SETO’s funding programs and current funding opportunities. To see all PV projects funded by SETO, visit the Solar Energy Research Database. Reports resulting from research projects can be found on the Office of Science and Technical Information (OSTI) website.
Photovoltaics Technologies
More Photovoltaics Information
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- Solar Energy
- Clean Energy
- Renewable Energy
- Semiconductors and Microelectronics
- Next-Generation Energy Technologies
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Photovoltaics Success Stories
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- Solar Energy
- Renewable Energy
- Clean Energy
- Energy Analysis
- Commercial Implementation
The PV Fleet Initiative has been collecting performance data from a nationally representative sample of PV plants and has developed transparent, automated analysis techniques, shedding light on many aspects of solar power productivity across the country. -
- Solar Energy
- National Labs
- Renewable Energy
- Energy Efficiency
DOE's NREL is one of a select few accredited labs in the world that measure and rate solar PV module performance.
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- Solar Energy
- Conversion Technologies
- Commercial Implementation
- Energy Efficiency
eIQ Energy’s power electronics device enables modules to work independently while increasing power output. -
- Solar Energy
- Commercial Implementation
- Renewable Energy
- Energy Efficiency
Startup Tau Science’s scanner shows signs of module damage and keeps repair crews safe.