IES-UPM, founded in 1979, has been actively researching the practical application of solar PV. The university’s research will focus on developing cheaper ways to purify silicon, creating new solar PV materials and original structures for highly efficient tandem cells, formulating more efficient strategies for demand management, and evaluating the use of batteries to facilitate the integration of technology into the electricity grid. Trina Solar, one of China’s top solar manufacturers, has experienced significant growth last year and was ranked second in Wood Mackenzie’s recent module manufacturer rankings. By the end of the first quarter of 2024, Trina Solar had shipped over 205GW of modules. In addition to their R&D work, Trina Solar will establish a training center at IES-UPM. The center will be equipped with solar modules, trackers, and possibly battery energy storage systems (BESS) to support solar energy development in the region.