Demonstrate

As the renewable energy industry matures, one of the biggest challenges it faces is the establishment of performance standards that allow for unbiased comparisons of technologies. Knowing the specifics of a technology, such as production potential, benefits, drawbacks, deployment costs and optimum areas for deployment – is crucial for both existing technologies and the efficient advancement of emerging technologies.

The Center for Solar Energy’s demonstration fields will allow technologies to be compared on a level playing field for the first time.

Main Field and Primary Demonstration Area (50+ MWs)

The main field and primary demonstration area will be comprised of approximately 100 different manufacturers and technologies, deployed at 50 or more MW (DC). All technologies will be subjected to identical protocols and all data will be collected under the same solar resource, resulting in a realistic comparison of each technology.

Ultimately, the field will provide an opportunity for technologies to demonstrate their bankability, performance, reliability and unique attributes, all while offering outstanding training and research opportunities.

Small-Scale Demonstration Sites (30 kW)

Program participants will also have the opportunity to deploy 30 kW systems for a 3-year period. These smaller scale demonstration sites will receive extensive monitoring, monthly staff assistance and access to the full data set from all other technologies in the demonstration program on campus.

These sites will allow the manufacturers of emergent and existing technologies the opportunity to grade their products on a level playing field against the proven, more established PV solutions found at the main deployment.