UC Berkeley, Nextracker inaugurate the CALNEXT Center for Solar Research
The University of California Berkeley Engineering is establishing a solar energy research program and state-of-the-art solar test field due in large part to a $6.5 million gift from Nextracker. The CALNEXT Center for Solar Energy Research is already soliciting and receiving research proposals from UC Berkeley Engineering faculty and graduate students.
“We are thrilled to partner with UC Berkeley to inaugurate the CALNEXT Center for Solar Energy Research,” said Alex Au, co-founder and CTO Nextracker, who will oversee CALNEXT operations and initiatives on behalf of Nextracker. “Through our partnership with UC Berkeley Engineering, we are creating a powerful platform to continue to push the boundaries of solar technology, ensuring clean and affordable energy generation is available to all.”
CALNEXT Center for Solar Energy Research
The CALNEXT Center for Solar Energy Research will “prioritize technologies to enhance power plant performance and operations, paving the way for rapid expansion of utility-scale solar.” The center also plans to integrate cutting-edge solar technologies into UC Berkeley’s engineering and environmental science programs and curricula, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and access to industry-leading tools and real-world applications.
The CALNEXT Center for Solar Energy Research was realized through the shared vision of collaborators Tarek Zohdi, Francisco Borrelli, and Alex Au.
“By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, we aim to drive significant advancements in solar power technologies,” said Tarek Zohdi, associate dean for research, UC Berkeley Engineering, and director of the CALNEXT center. “Nextracker shares UC Berkeley’s ethos of education, discovery, and innovation, and this center will provide our faculty and students with a world-class research experience.”
In addition, UC Berkeley Engineering students will be able to tap into Nextracker’s established internship and mentoring programs and employment opportunities, fueling the workforce pipeline with skilled, industry-ready graduates.
“This center will not only accelerate innovation but also develop the next generation of engineers and researchers at the forefront of the global solar energy revolution,” said Francesco Borrelli, professor of mechanical engineering and co-director of the CALNEXT Center.
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