Research
AzRISE has identified critical focus areas for solar energy research that are considered to be essential for promoting the growth of solar energy in the State of Arizona and for stimulating the economic growth that will result. Research, development, demonstration and deployment will be used to attract industry and intellectual capital to Arizona.
AzRISE carries out much of its work around particular initiatives. These initiatives are sets of projects that are organized to deliver solutions to areas of significant impact in the world of solar. These initiatives have technical, economic, social and political elements, requiring systems-level strategic thinking and solutions. Integration of solar power generation, energy storage, and biofuel production is complex, and without sufficient analysis to date.
Basic Research
AzRISE funds and supports fundamental research through jointly obtained external grants with faculty and through SEED projects. AzRISE also assists in the development of central instrumentation facilities for the support of solar energy research by faculty and industrial partners.
AzRISE will assist in the development of research teams and responses to grant solicitations as well as partner with other groups in securing funds for research. To-date, AzRISE funding in solar energy has led to the initiation of many large funded research programs.
Basic research efforts at AzRISE can be classified into:
Systems
From smart grids to energy storage, utility-scale solar will only be achieved through a system-wide approach. AzRISE creates holistic models and demonstrations that integrate the technical, financial, governmental, social, and ecological aspects of solar energy to transform our energy infrastructure.
- Storage
- Smart Grid Technology
- Demonstration Sites
- Water, Energy & Climate
- Building Technology
Policy
AzRISE conducts analyses of public policy and economic alternatives that have the potential to stimulate solar energy developments. The Institute provides an objective 3rd party lens in its analyses, allowing for an open and data-driven assessment of opportunities.