Solar energy is the radiant light and heat from the sun. Solar technologies can be broadly characterized as active or passive, depending on the way the sun’s energy is captured and converted into a usable form for consumption. Active solar technology includes equipment that directly converts the sun’s energy into electricity (photovoltaic panels), while passive solar techniques include such options as orienting a building relative to the sun’s rays or selecting materials with light-dispersing properties.
Exponent has an experienced team of scientists and engineers who have solar energy knowledge and expertise. Enhancing their experience, team members regularly contribute to the development of related technologies in generation, transmission, and storage of solar energy. Additionally, Exponent’s team has a large base of knowledge, experience, and expertise related to semiconductor devices, electronic infrastructures, control mechanisms, and systems applications. Exponent also provides consulting for solar-energy-related health, environment, and regulatory issues.
Energy Generation We have knowledge and expertise related to photovoltaic (PV) devices that have application in solar-energy systems:
- Wafer-based crystalline silicon (single, poly or multi, and string ribbon)
- Thin films (amorphous)
- Concentrating photovoltaics-based on high-efficiency silicon or multi-junction solar cells
- Concentrating solar power plants
Exponent consulting services include:
- Failure analysis of devices, modules, and systems using material, mechanical, electrical and electronics, and thermal science and engineering disciplines.
- Efficiency assessments related to device fabrication, low-cost packaging, throughput evaluation, and system topology
- Reliability evaluation and testing
- Research and prototype development support
Energy Storage Exponent has a wealth of knowledge in energy storage technology, in particular battery system technology. By using a multidisciplinary approach involving staff from a wide range of practices (Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Thermal Sciences, and Statistics), we are able to provide services that include evaluation of cell component materials, battery design support and certification, and failure analysis of full battery systems.
Electrical Systems
We provide support and rapid response to assist electric utility clients with technical and project services, often on short notice. Exponent consultants employ the major science and engineering disciplines. For example, our engineering services address the electric utility industry’s needs for design, construction, failure analysis, repair, and retrofit. We offer our electric utility clients the following:
- Proven experience on high-profile projects
- In-depth engineering experience in electrical, structural, metallurgical, chemical, and environmental disciplines
- A blend of skills in risk, reliability, and vulnerability analyses
- Electric transmission and distribution knowledge and experience related to construction, O&M, public health issues, and environmental risk management
Health and Environmental Aspects
We have unique expertise to address the health and environmental aspects of solar panel manufacturing and disposal. Our consulting services include:
- Regulatory consulting and exposure analysis during installation and use, as well as recycling/disposal at the end of life
- Literature reviews and studies designed to test the off-gassing of toxic materials from devices
- Epidemiology research, risk assessments, and best management practices
Related Publications 
Fu J, Bank S, Wistey M, Yuen H, Harris J. Solid-source molecular-beam epitaxy growth of GaInNAsSb/InGaAs single quantum well on InP with photoluminescence peak wavelength at 2.04 µm. Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology B (Microelectronics and Nanometer Structures) 2004; 22(3):1463–1467.
Fu J, Xiaojun Y, Kuo Y-H, Harris J. Extended InGaAs/InGaAs quantum structure for near infrared photodetection beyond 1.9 μm. CLEO/QELS 2005, Baltimore, MD, May 22–27, 2005.
Jackrel D, Yuen H, Bank S, Fu J, Yu X, Rao Z, Harris J. MBE grown GaInNAs solar cells for multijunction applications. Proceedings, 31st IEEE PVSC, pp. 854–857, 2005.