National Solar Thermal Test Facility

Operated by Sandia National Laboratories for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) is the only test facility of this type in the United States. The NSTTF’s primary goal is to provide experimental engineering data for the design, construction, and operation of unique components and systems in proposed solar thermal electrical plants planned for large-scale power generation. In addition, the facility can provide high heat flux and temperatures for materials testing or aerodynamic heating simulation; large fields of optics for astronomical observations or satellite calibrations; a solar furnace; and a rotating platform for parabolic trough evaluation.

The site was built and instrumented to provide test facilities for a variety of solar and nonsolar applications.

Several mechanisms are available for users to contract with Sandia for use of the facility. Previous users include other researchers, including government contractors and agencies, research institutes, universities, and private companies.

The (NSTTF) welcomes all users. Several mechanisms are available for contracting with Sandia National Laboratories to use the facility. For more information please contact Cheryl Ghanbari, 505-845-3426 or cghanba@sandia.gov to discuss details of specific tests and other ways to contract with Sandia for this type of work.

PLEASE NOTE: All site visits to the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) must be arranged in advance due to base security requirements (Sandia National Laboratories is located entirely within the boundaries of Kirtland Air Force Base). Contact 505.845.3334 to arrange for a site visit (maps to NSTTF will be provided).