Opening state-of the-art TNO Solar Lab in Petten
Ilse Zaal, executive member Economy of the province of Noord-Holland, conducted the opening of the new TNO Solar Lab at the Energy & Health Campus in Petten on 15 September. The province of Noord-Holland has invested 14 million euros in the construction and fitting out of the state-of-the-art laboratory. With this facility, the province is making a key contribution in Petten to facilitating groundbreaking research on new applications of solar energy.

“In the Solar Lab, we are developing new types of solar panels and applications with companies, government, and knowledge institutes, which will enable solar energy to be rolled out on a large scale in an attractive and cost-effective way. It’s extremely important for the generation of large amounts of renewable electricity as well as for further cost reduction, both necessary for the success of the energy transition.”
Innovation with partners
In addition to the investment by the province, the ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy has made 5 million euros available for advanced equipment. In the Solar Lab, TNO collaborates with companies to do research on, develop and test innovations for new solar cells, panels and applications. These technological innovations enable affordable and safe solar energy generation integrated in existing surfaces of buildings, infrastructure and vehicles, but also in the countryside or on water. In addition, TNO is working with partners in the new Solar Lab on making solar energy circular.
Van den Kroonenberg BUILDING

The new building bears the name of the former director of the Energy research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN), Prof. Harry van den Kroonenberg. ECN joined forces with TNO in 2018. Harry van den Kroonenberg was of great significance for the development of solar energy and collaboration between knowledge institutes and industry. More than 30 years ago, he was one of the first people to initiate the energy transition, based on the conviction: “The only renewable source is knowledge and not natural gas”. His widow attended the opening and unveiled the name.
Let yourself be inspired
TNO's view of 2030: using every surface for solar power generation
If we want to generate green energy on a large scale, we'll have to be smart in using the scarce space available in the Netherlands. Within 10 years, we'll make it possible to use any surface to generate sustainable energy. Curious how?


Favourable business case for solar heat in homes
Solar heat can make an important contribution to increasing the sustainability of our heat supply. Photovoltaic-thermic (PVT) systems on the roof can, in combination with a heat pump, supply homes with heat and hot water. This would make natural gas redundant, thereby decreasing carbon emissions. There are plenty of options, but what about the cost-benefit analysis?


Trials with new generation of solar road surfacing

