The Solar Energy Technologies Office supports early-stage research and development in the technology areas of photovoltaics, concentrating solar-thermal power, and systems integration with the goal of improving the affordability, reliability, and performance of solar technologies on the grid. Learn about the office’s latest work in the quarterly stakeholder webinar that was held on October 10, 2019.
News
Department of Energy Announces $128 Million in New Projects to Advance Solar Technologies
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Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced selections for $128 million in new projects to advance solar technologies.
EERE Success Story—Spreading Sunshine: SolSmart Recognizes 300th Community for Going Solar
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In October 2019, the city of Anchorage became the 300th community in the United States to receive a SolSmart designation.
United States to Host 2020 SolarPACES Conference
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Albuquerque, New Mexico, Chosen for International Concentrating Solar Power Conference.
U.S. Department of Energy Announces Winners of Solar Prize and Two New Innovative Solar Initiatives
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DOE announced the winners of the American-Made Solar Prize Round 1, a $3 million competition designed to revitalize U.S. solar manufacturing.
Department of Energy Selects National Alliance for Water Innovation to Lead Energy-Water Desalination Hub
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Hub will focus on early-stage research and development (R&D) for energy-efficient and cost-competitive desalination technologies.
MEDIA ADVISORY: ASSISTANT SECRETARY SIMMONS TO SPEAK AT SOLAR POWER INTERNATIONAL
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MEDIA ADVISORY: ASSISTANT SECRETARY SIMMONS TO SPEAK AT SOLAR POWER INTERNATIONAL
Solar Energy Technologies Office Announces New Job Openings
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Our office is hiring multiple solar energy technology managers.
Provide Your Insights on Strategic Planning for Solar Grid Integration
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SETO issued a request for information (RFI) to help address the impacts of increased solar integration on the electric grid.
Two Solar Researchers Receive Presidential Honor
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Two SETO awardees, Michael Wagner and Timothy Silverman, were awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.
EERE Success Story — National Lab Achieves World’s Most Accurate Silicon Module Performance Measurements
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DOE's NREL is one of a select few accredited labs in the world that measure and rate solar PV module performance.
Blog Posts
New Solar Design Competition Announced: Solar District Cup
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Universities and community colleges can join the inaugural DOE Solar District Cup, to re-imagine how solar energy is generated, managed, and used.
Solar-Plus-Storage 101
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This blog post will explain the terminology around solar-plus-storage, how many solar-plus-storage systems are in the country, and what they cost.
Activating American Solar Movers and Makers
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The solar industry is on the move—expanding into new states and creating new business opportunities across the country.
Research Helps Texas Renewables Work Better Together
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New NREL research will help ERCOT better manage its solar power and integrate it with the 20 gigawatts of wind capacity already installed in the state
Solar as the Solution: 3 Ways Solar Can Step Up its Grid Services Game
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Solar energy provides as much as 15% of generation on the grid in some states, solar energy can provide grid services to maintain system balance.
Extending Solar Energy System Lifetime with Power Electronics
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Power electronics are essential to the safe and efficient operation of solar PV systems, serving as a critical gateway between solar and the grid.
Ask a Scientist - Dr. Sarah Kurtz
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In this new blog series, we ask Energy Department researchers about their life as scientists working with energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Concentrating Solar Power Could Provide the Flexibility and Reliability the U.S. Electric Grid Needs
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Developments in concentrating solar thermal power could improve grid flexibility by unlocking new choices to better meet grid operator needs.
Confronting the Duck Curve: How to Address Over-Generation of Solar Energy
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Energy Department research is taming the duck curve by helping utilities better balance energy supply and demand on the grid.
New Solar Collector Tech Could Lower Costs for Concentrating Solar Power
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For the first time ever, ganged heliostats could be a viable option for new concentrating solar power systems.
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