Sandia LabNews

Global collaboration to study photovoltaic performance, reliability

An international community of research institutions, led by Sandia, to advance photovoltaic research and expand solar markets formally launched its work on May 14 in Munich, Germany. The organization provides a unique platform for studying photovoltaic performance and reliability in multiple, diverse environments and climates.

Earth Day 2019: ‘The most endangered species on Earth is us’

Steve Curwood, executive producer and host of public radio’s “Living on Earth,” spoke about “Investing in the New Energy Economy” to an audience of more than 200 during Sandia’s keynote Earth Day talk. His presentation examined the complexities of a transition from an energy portfolio dominated by fossil fuels, potential technological developments and future changes to the energy grid.

‘MANOS’ needs a hand

Many of us can thank a teacher or mentor who early in our lives ignited in us a passion for our current professions. Sandia’s Manos — or “hands-on” — program is looking for the next generation of Sandia volunteer mentors to provide that spark for science, technology, engineering and math in local middle school students.

Detecting quark nuggets, a candidate for extreme ball lightning and dark matter

Thirteen years ago, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Science and Technology Pace VanDevender retired from Sandia to become an 18th-century style “gentleman physicist.” He wanted to understand two mysteries before he died: puzzling electromagnetic signals observed on the Los Alamos-Sandia FORTE satellite and extreme ball lightning.

From concept to commercialization: 40 years of concentrating solar power research- Researchers, industry gather for celebration

To mark the National Solar Thermal Test Facility’s 40th anniversary in July, present and past Sandia staff and managers, industry leaders and government representatives came together for a day of talks and tours focused on the history of the facility, its contributions to solar energy and other fields and the current research outlook.