GCEP held a two-day workshop to identify technical barriers to large-scale implementation of solar technologies and to discuss the research opportunities for developing breakthrough solutions that may lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

The technical presentations focused on the fundamental physical and chemical processes that govern the operation of some major solar energy systems. The technologies discussed during the workshop included organic nanostructures, dye-sensitized solar cells, thin film devices, third generation photovoltaics, heterojunction cells, solar thermionic energy convertors, and space-based solar power.

International solar energy experts shared their perspectives on the technical issues that limit current efficiencies and on potential innovative strategies to overcome them. The workshops also informed the Stanford community about the solar energy area in which GCEP may consider sponsoring research during the next year. The workshop was held at the Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center at Stanford University.