Solar Technologies

ORNL’s research is aimed at developing and commercializing solar systems that increase the efficiency and affordability of solar energy use in commercial buildings. Research is focused on simultaneously separating and using different portions of the solar energy spectrum for different end-use purposes, i.e. lighting and distributed power generation and use.

Lighting of Building Interiors

Hybrid Solar Lighting (HSL) and associated Full-Spectrum Solar Energy Systems represent a unique alternative that views solar from a systems-level perspective, integrates multiple interdependent technologies, and takes advantage of the entire solar energy spectrum. The visible portion of the solar spectrum is separated from the near infrared (IR) spectra at a secondary optical element, or SOE, (located near the focal point of the primary mirror), and the two energy streams can be used for different purposes. The IR energy can be transmitted through the SOE and converted into electricity via low-cost concentrating, thermophotovoltaic solar cells, which are inherently more efficient in the near IR portion of the spectrum. The visible portion of sunlight is reflected into a series of optical fibers and used directly for lighting in hybrid lighting systems. See illustration above.

R&D Areas

  • System Components – including fiber optics
  • Buildings Integration
  • Hybrid Solar Lighting
  • Photovoltaic (PV) Materials
  • Power Electronics Integration


    Another research area is the photobioreactors. Researchers have investigated the use of HSL as a key component in new hybrid solar photobioreactors that sequester carbon via enhanced photosynthetic-based bio-processing. See illustration below.

Click on Photobioreactor for virtual demo.


Hybrid Solar Photobioreactors

For more information on solar applications, visit our Solar Technologies Program. Related ESTD solar sites include:

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Last updated: -  Monday, 25-Jun-2007 11:27:22 EDT  -  7,571

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