Exploiting the potential of solar energy is becoming more and more important tool in solving the energy and climate problems of the world.

According to the used physical approach there are 2 basic groups of solar collectors:

Passive approach:

- solar energy is used for the construction and architecture of low energy buildings. Some procedures are known from human experience since antique.

Active approach:

- energy of sunlight is converted into heat or electricity through a variety of complex technology. The conversion is performed by solar collectors. Solar panels are heat exchangers that transform solar radiation energy to internal energy of the transport medium, which has increased temperature. The solar collector is a core part of any solar system. The conversion of solar energy into electricity is done either indirectly – with the use of highly heated steam to drive the generator, or directly with photovoltaic systems.

The average amount of solar radiation falling on a horizontal surface of 1 m² in Slovakia is in range from 3278 to 3752 (Wh/m².day). The difference in the amount of incident energy between the coldest and warmest regions is approximately 15 %.

Activities of the center are mainly focused on research of materials and material structures used for manufacturing of photovoltaic cells and modules. The aim of the research is to find ways to produce photovoltaic cells with lower costs and higher efficiency. Another area of ​​research is the connectivity of solar power to the power grid of Slovak republic and its effect on the stability of the energy grid.