Photovoltaic Applications

At NREL, we see the potential for photovoltaics (PV) to be everywhere. As we pursue advanced materials and next-generation technologies, we are applying PV to a wide range of applications and locations.

Solar Farms

Acres of PV panels can provide utility-scale power—from tens of megawatts to more than a gigawatt of power. These large systems use panels that are fixed or track the sun to deliver power to a municipal or regional grid.

Remote Areas

It is not always economical, convenient, or even feasible to extend transmission lines to where power is needed. PV can be the solution—for rural homes, villages in developing countries, lighthouses, offshore oil platforms, desalination plants, and clinics in remote areas.

Stand-Alone Power Sources

In urban or remote areas, PV can power stand-alone devices, tools, and meters. PV can meet the power needs of parking meters, temporary traffic signs, emergency phones, radio transmitters, irrigation pumps, flow meters, remote sentry booths, roadway lighting, and more.

Space Power

PV has been the primary power source for satellites in Earth orbit since the beginning of time. High-efficiency PV already powers projects such as the International Space Station and lunar and Martian surface rovers, and its use in space will continue to grow.

Building-related needs

In buildings, photovoltaic panels mounted on roofs or ground level can provide electricity. Photovoltaic materials can also be integrated into building structures as windows, roof tiles, or cladding to achieve dual purposes. In addition, awnings and parking structures can also be covered with photovoltaics to provide shade and electricity.

Military uses

Lightweight, flexible thin-film photovoltaics can be used in applications where portability or ruggedness is critical. Soldiers can carry lightweight photovoltaics to charge electronic devices in the field or at remote bases.

Transportation

Photovoltaics can provide auxiliary power for vehicles such as cars and ships. Car sunroofs can be equipped with photovoltaics to meet on-board power needs or to trickle charge batteries. Lightweight photovoltaics can also adapt to the shape of aircraft wings to provide power for high-altitude vehicles.

Capabilities

We cover a wide range of materials and processes, including Si, CdTe, CIGS, perovskite, III-V, and multi-junction solar cells; organic materials; novel epitaxy and lift-off; reliability; photovoltaic material recycling; product life; flexible glass and polymer substrates; packaging; characterization; testing; and qualification.

Developing new technologies for customized needs and applications, including:

State-of-the-art technology development – for utility and residential applications

Dynamic hydride vapor phase epitaxy – significantly reducing the cost of high-efficiency III-V materials

Perovskite development – improving efficiency, durability and scalability

Lattice-matched sodium chloride – improving the growth of III-V compounds and allowing substrate reuse

Exfoliation processes – enabling lightweight photovoltaics

CdTe solar cells on flexible glass – for automotive and window applications

Building integrated photovoltaics – combining beauty, power and efficiency

Ultra-lightweight, flexible, portable modules – for aircraft and defense applications