University and industry experts in Southern Arizona will work together to accelerate solar energy technology development to maximize the potential of sustainability industries as a source of prosperity and positive environmental impact for our state

In order to predict solar energy supply, it is important to predict weather patterns accurately. AZ scientists, in partnership with Raytheon, are looking for more astute ways to predict weather with an eye for optimal management of power solar energy supply, storage, and transmission systems

The yearly monsoon in Arizona can be as destructive as it can be beneficial. Preparation is the key to avoiding extensive damage while maximizing benefits for Arizona crops. With this in mind, university scientists are designing computer models of weather patterns with the goal of improving prediction of monsoon storms

With better understanding of  how and why we choose one material over another when constructing new buildings,  human population growth in the Valley of the Sun can be sustained in ways that are more economically and environmentally sustainable

Silicon-based photovoltaics amount to over 90% of the current market.  While that percentage is expected to shrink over the next decade, the rapid growth in demand for photovoltaics for home and commercial solar panels due to their longevity makes production of silicon-based photovoltaics a growth industry for the future.

There is currently no single entity certifying solar components, resulting in lack of uniform standards and inflated long-term costs. Alongside TUV, Reliasoft, and others, AZ scientists are devising universal testing methods over the full range of conditions encountered in the field, allowing Arizona to provide for this unmet national need

By reducing water, energy, and materials necessary to build electronic devices such as cell phones and computers, Arizona will remain a leader in this area. In partnership with Intel, university researchers are using biological molecules to build electronic devices, a breakthrough for reducing production costs leading to large-scale commercial opportunities

As the climate chance, so might the Arizona monsoon which could either strengthen or weaken. University scientists are looking at past records of the monsoon to design better climate models so Arizona can prepare and make economically important decisions ranging from water management to urban planning and public health

TIPD, LLC, a newly formed AZ company, is creating new materials and switches requiring very little electricity which will result in more energy –efficient, more compact, and better performing optical and wireless communications networks, such as the ones used for cell phones, PDAs, and wireless computers

Silicon-based photovoltaics amount to over 90% of the current market and while that percentage is expected to shrink over the next decade, the rapid growth in demand for PhotoVoltaics for home and commercial solar panels makes production of silicon-based photovoltaics a growth industry for the future

Copper has always been an important resource for the state of Arizona and AZ scientists, in partnership with Freeport-McMoRan, Resolution Copper and 14 other mining companies are making mining safer, more productive, and environmentally friendlier for the sake of AZ’s economy and AZ’s communities

Working alongside university scientists, and Arizona Public Service (APS) are developing an inexpensive biofuel without using land needed for agriculture. Such alternative sources of energy are a national priority and security and Arizona has a real opportunity to position itself at the forefront of this effort

Aerospace is one of the strong areas of potential scientific and economic growth in Arizona. Through a state-wide collaborative effort, AZ academic and industry engineering communities looked at the feasibility of starting an aerospace institute in Arizona

To use solar energy as a significant source of electrical power, we need to devise ways to store it for when demand is higher than supply. AZ scientists are working alongside Southwest Power Technologies among other, to design large underground systems that can provide this storage efficiently and aesthetically

Certain microorganisms, called cyanobacteria, can be used as a highly economical source of energy (biofuel) as well as in environmentally friendly plastics. AZ scientists are studying the metabolism of these versatile microbes so we can make the most out of them and perhaps even boost their ability to produce energy

A new type of LED light that will be more energy efficient and will cost a lot less than what is currently available is being developed with industrial partner JROptoelectronics LLC. The new product will not only save energy, but also attract out-of-state venture capital interest

The risks of wildfires vary with forest density, which also influences carbon absorption and oxygen release into the atmosphere. Researchers in Northern Arizona study these important issues for our state, as well as the capacity of forests supply water to downstream communities through evaporation and condensation

By measuring the effects of city buildings and concentrated human presence on weather and pollution in the Valley of the Sun, Arizona cities will be able to make environmentally and financially sound planning decisions and ensure accurate early prediction of catastrophic weather.

Mushrooms often have a mutually beneficial association with the roots of crops and they are strongly affected by changes in the environment. AZ university scientists are studying how variations in the mushroom population affect economically or ecologically important plants in the state

The long-term future of aviation depends on the ability of planes to use alternate fuel. For this purpose, Boeing and top University researchers will develop the first bio-fuel driven fuel cells to power commercial airliners.  Boeing will demonstrate this technology in flight in 2012 with manufacturing jobs to follow

Chemical and biological transformations at the microscopic level often rely on very small proteins that help make things happen. In order to better understand how these particular proteins functions, AZ scientists are creating unique models that they can easily manipulate

Treatment of wastewater involves vigorous mixing of air into the water. This process generates a lot of particles floating in the air, and AZ scientists are studying how these contaminants contribute to air pollution in our state

A new startup company (AstaBlend, Inc.) using beneficial sun-powered microbes as mini-manufacturing plants for the production of high-value commercial food additives for human food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, organic fertilizers and biofuels that promise to improve human health and quality of life utilizing sustainable methods

Using alternative sources of energy efficiently is a matter of national priority. Arizona has an opportunity to be at the forefront of this effort, so scientists are manipulating seaweed so its outer layer is shed more easily and it can be used to produce biofuel at lower cost

Solar power is only practical for buildings needing additional electricity if successfully integrated with the grid so fluctuating needs can be met. Consequently, AZ scientists in partnership with Arizona Power Services and the Salt River Project among others are working on seamless integration of alternative energies into existing infrastructure

Despite their promise for the future of sustainable energy, solar cells are still too expensive and inefficient for many applications.AZ scientists and the Air Force are working on improving solar cell efficiency by 50%, realizing a cost reduction for of more than 20%