Photovoltaics

The solar energy research goals at UL Lafayette are: to perform long-term operational testing of commercial-scale photovoltaic electric generation systems under actual conditions in Louisiana, to develop new cost-effective solar technologies that will be effective around the world, to assist the region with economic development, and to perform education and outreach to the community regarding solar energy. 

Sited on 6 acres in the University’s Research Park, the Louisiana Solar Energy Lab was built to test several different types of solar technologies side-by-side (poly, mono, and thin film), and was built in a modular way that will allow the testing of new solar technologies as they become available. This project was sponsored by Louisiana Generating LLC, a subsidiary of NRG. The lab became operational in June of 2018.

The basic characteristics of the Louisiana Solar Energy Lab are shown below.

List of Equipment at Louisiana Solar Energy Lab

System Performance

In its first year of operation the Louisiana Solar Energy Lab produced approximately 1.91 GWh/year and offset the equivalent of 1,344 MT of CO2.  This is the greenhouse gas reduction equivalent of taking 285 vehicles off the road each year.

Partnerships

The university is always seeking new partnerships with industry, government and academia.  For more information, please contact Dr. Terrence Chambers at terrence.chambers@louisiana.edu.