To reduce solar technology risks, DOE and its partners evaluate the performance and reliability of novel photovoltaic (PV) hardware and systems through laboratory and field testing. The focus of the DOE technology validation research and development (R&D) activities is to quantify and reduce uncertainty in the performance, lifetime, durability, safety, and availability of PV systems, thereby reducing risk and leading to greater confidence in the bankability of these systems.

Within the SunShot Systems Integration activities, technology validation R&D is being performed in the following areas: