Solar Energy Summary

Photovoltaic Test Laboratory (PTL)Arizona State University (ASU) has long been recognized since the 1970s as a leader in solar energy research and development. A strong legacy of its historic preeminence is the Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory (PTL), one of three such facilities in the world. ASU’s strength in solar energy is its expertise throughout the ‘solar supply chain’, including theoretical and laboratory studies of new materials, synthesis of new materials, device fabrication, flexible electronics development, photovoltaic (PV) testing, power systems modeling and design, building-integrated photovoltaic applications, green building practices, urban planning, and integration of renewable energy options into community design. ASU’s solar portfolio has received strong support through the Department of Energy’s Solar America Initiative, where ASU has won six major awards. ASU’s approach includes:

Fundamental research in advanced photovoltaic materials and devices:

  • research on realizing high efficiency solar cells exceeding 50% efficiency through multi-junction compound semiconductors including nitrides and II-VI compounds
  • applications of nanotechnology through nanowires, quantum dots, and nanocrystalline Si
  • design of new low-cost semiconductor thin film solar cells
  • organic thin film solar cells on low-cost flexible substrates

World class energy systems testing facilities at the Photovoltaics Testing Laboratory:

  • one of three facilities in the world currently certified for phtotovoltaic module performance qualification and reliability
  • test facility for photovoltaic systems components including inverters, system balance electronics, as well as fuel cells
  • currently working with nearly all major solar module manufacturers worldwide, as well as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
  • applying for OSHA approval for safety certification, as well as partnership with other world-class testing facilities

Power electronics and power systems analysis for solar electric systems:

  • collaborative research through the Power Systems Energy Research Center (PSERC), a 12 university consortium with over 40 utility and power industry members
  • design of high efficiency DC-AC converters for PV modules
  • design and analysis of ‘mini-grid’s’ for medium scale distributed power systems
  • analysis of the integration of intermittent sources (e.g. solar) into existing power grid

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV):

  • integration of PV into the design of a building so that the solar component also serves as structural or design elements
  • improving building aesthetics, system reliability and market acceptance of solar energy technology
  • increasing general and technical knowledge by communicating our findings to the broader world and engaging in extensive education and outreach activities at the K-12, college, community and professional levels