Florida Solar Energy Center

FSEC Energy Research Center, also known as the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), is the state’s premier energy research center. Created by the Florida Legislature in 1975 to test and certify solar systems, FSEC is administered by the University of Central Florida. As a result of FSEC’s extensive research capabilities increasing throughout the years, Florida Solar Energy Center slowly outgrew its solar name. The Center is rebranding its research as the FSEC Energy Research Center—at the University of Central Florida—to more accurately reflect its research, capabilities, and university affiliation.

Mission

Although energy research programs and projects have changed throughout the years, FSEC’s mission remains the same:

Research Areas

FSEC has more than 40 years of experience in renewable energy systems and building science. The Center’s 70-member staff includes professionals with expertise in engineering, energy research, building science, energy and policy analysis, as well as education and training.  Research at the FSEC Energy Research Center is based on field monitoring, computer simulations, and controlled experiments in highly-instrumented laboratories. As a result of FSEC’s extensive research capabilities, its programs are nationally and internationally recognized, and include:

• High performance buildings
• Solar technologies
• Hydrogen and fuel cells
• Electric vehicles
• Energy systems integration
• K-12 Education and Continuing Education

Funding & Partners

The Center performs contracted research and training in partnership with government, industry, nonprofit organizations, private sponsors, and national laboratories. Funding totals $6 to $12 million annually, in addition to receiving $3 million in operating funds.

Working With Us

The FSEC Energy Research Center performs contracted research and training in partnership with government, industry, nonprofit organizations, private sponsors and national laboratories. The Center’s 80-member staff includes professionals with expertise in engineering, energy research, building science, energy and policy analysis, and education and training.  The FSEC Energy Research Center performs contracted research and training, totaling $6 to $12 million annually, in addition to receiving $3 million in operating funds.

Capabilities

The FSEC Energy Research Center’s program areas include: Buildings, Energy Systems, Solar Technologies, Solar Testing and Certification, and Energy Education: Continuing Education and K-12 Education.

Buildings Research at the FSEC Energy Research Center covers virtually every aspect of building science, led by more than 20 scientists and engineers. Our Buildings Research has strong capabilities in diagnostic field testing, development of user-friendly building energy analysis software, and short- and long-term performance data monitoring and equipment testing in controlled laboratory facilities. Learn more in Buildings Research Capabilities and Data Monitoring Capabilities.

Solar Technologies

Three different types of photovoltaic modules on test rack with blue metal commercial building in background, photo.  As a leader in solar research in the hot and humid climate, the FSEC Energy Research Center provides small-scale residential and large-scale commercial photovoltaic reliability and durability testing, inverter testing, and thin-film photovoltaic production techniques. In addition, the Laws of Florida (§377.705, FS) require that all solar systems manufactured or sold in the state of Florida comply with Solar Equipment Standards promulgated by the Florida Solar Energy Center® (FSEC®). These standards cover both solar thermal equipment and solar electric equipment. The FSEC Energy Research Center—originally established as the Florida Solar Energy Center® (FSEC®)—works closely with industry, the research and development community, and other interested stakeholders to ensure that its Standards encourage the effective use of renewable energy resources and protect the consumers of the state of Florida. Learn more in Photovoltaic Capabilities and Solar Certification.