CALIFORNIA ADVANCED SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES

Each day we increase our fundamental ability to convert sunlight into electricity and thermal energy, while lowering the cost of doing so. Has it taken significant effort and investment to get to this point? Yes. Is the day upon us when solar energy systems are as ubiquitous as cell phones and automobiles? Not yet, but that day can be seen on the horizon... Someday, solar power will provide all the energy homes and buildings need for electricity, heat and cooling. Scientists at UC Solar, a multicampus research institute based at UC Merced, are helping to make that day come true. "The best prospect for abundant alternative energy is solar power," said Roland Winston, director of UC Solar and a professor of engineering and natural sciences at UC Merced. In terms of resource abundance, "Solar is the king."

Primary location: Merced United States