Program: Information, data, and testing standards developed and validated in this project will strengthen NREL's core expertise and capabilities in several technical areas regarding the new Distributed Power Program within the new Distributed Energy Resource Center. Construction of these facilities will position NREL to become the forerunner in developing national distributed power tests and standards and continue work to implement these standards nationwide via the IEEE P 1547 standard for Distributed Resources interconnected with Electric Power Systems. In addition, it will aid manufacturers of distributed generation equipment through cooperative testing of their systems for baseline comparisons to identify advances in functional performance. Completing these building phases will enable NREL to enhance its position and expertise in this new energy arena.

Phase I of this project is programmed to be a 11,000 square foot new laboratory which will focus on the development and validation of interconnection standard testing methods and procedures and electrical details, safety, grid compatibility.

Phase II of this project, the Hybrid and System Test Lab, is programmed to be a 11,000 square foot new laboratory, sited adjacent to Phase I. This lab will focus on the long-term performance, reliability, availability, fuel efficiency, and emissions of clean energy systems. This lab will test advanced design technologies including: Photovoltaics, Wind, Fuel Cells, Micro Turbines, Concentrated Solar Power, Storage, Combined Heat and Power, Modular Biomass, and other technologies.

Each building phase will provide 5,000 square feet of office/restroom/circulation space, and 6,000 square feet of laboratory / research space.

Sustainable and integrated design will ensure the highest levels of energy efficiency possible, as with all of our NREL laboratories. Extensive daylighting will be incorporated throughout the building. The use of Low-e glass will allow the administrative and staff offices to have expansive views of the Flatirons and the Front Range while being shielded from glare. This enables the Users to enjoy a comfortable work environment year round.