NWO-I

Institutes Organisation of NWO

SolarLab

AMOLF

The sun is an incredibly powerful energy source and is essential to the transition toward a fossil free society. Achieving the Dutch climate ambitions will require an additional 1,000 km² of solar panels. The SolarLab consortium researches new solar energy technologies from six main locations and three satellite sites. The organisation is led by NWO institute AMOLF.

AMOLF researcher Daphne Antony in the 3D Photovoltaics research lab
AMOLF researcher Daphne Antony in the 3D Photovoltaics research lab

Facilities and Research

SolarLab researchers are developing advanced solar energy technologies that require less surface area and fewer raw materials than today’s solar panels. One highly promising material is perovskite, which converts light into electricity very efficiently, though it also has drawbacks, such as instability. 
Another of SolarLab's key goals is to integrate solar cells into the built environment, such as through flexible solar foils incorporated into construction materials.

SolarLab hubs

SolarLab started in 2016 and is led by research institute AMOLF. Research is conducted at six main hubs and three satellite sites.

  • AMOLF, Amsterdam
  • University of Groningen, Groningen
  • TNO, Petten
  • Delft University of Technology, Delft
  • Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven
  • University of Twente, EnschedeRadboud University, Nijmegen
  • University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam
  • Utrecht University, Utrecht
Een ronde zonnecel

Collaboration 

SolarLab is part of the national solar innovation programme SolarNL, which comprises a diverse consortium of partners, spanning the entire chain from research (SolarLab) to production and recycling of solar-energy materials. The idea is that everyone working on solar cell research in the Netherlands is involved in SolarLab, ensuring that research and production are closely aligned and mutually reinforcing.
Collaborating and sharing knowledge enables the universities and research institutes to develop sustainable, high efficiency solar energy materials. Together, they form a strong ecosystem with a powerful voice for solar energy research in the Netherlands and beyond. They also share laboratory facilities and coordinate funding streams.

SolarLab is responsible for training the next generation of high tech professionals in the Dutch sustainable energy sector. Hundreds of bachelor’s and master’s students and PhD candidates receive training every year. Solar energy technologies and related spin out innovations also generate several million euros annually for the Dutch economy.

More information

Would you like to find out more about the SolarLab facilities? You can find more information about the collaboration, the research and the various facilities available to researchers on the SolarLab-website.