Laurie Burnham

Scientist

Author profile picture

Scientist

lburnha@sandia.gov

Biography

Dr. Laurie Burnham is a scientist in the Photovoltaics and Materials Technology Program at Sandia National Laboratories. She is a major contributor to multiple topics in photovoltaic research, including lifetime performance and reliability, design optimization, monitoring and characterization. Dr. Burnham is the technical lead of the US DOE Regional Test Center program; in addition, she is founder and leader of the Photovoltaic Collaborative to Advance Multiclimate Performance and Energy Research (PV CAMPER), a 10-member international organization made up of prominent research institutions worldwide. She also leads a multi-institutional investigation on the optimization of PV systems at northern latitudes, where snow creates both opportunities and challenges.

Dr. Burnham received her PhD from Cornell University.

Publications

  • Riley, D., Burnham, L., Braid, J.L., Dice, P., & Dice, P. (2023). An Enhanced Snow-Shedding Model: the Module Frame as a Key Variable [Conference Poster]. https://doi.org/10.2172/2430939 Publication ID: 127240
  • Riley, D., Burnham, L., Pike, C., & Pike, C. (2023). A Model for Estimating Snow Albedo Changes Due to Time and Temperature [Conference Poster]. https://doi.org/10.2172/2431297 Publication ID: 128524
  • King, B.H., Burnham, L., Lolla, T., Li, W., Ramasamy, V., Walker, A., Desai, J., Woodhouse, M., & Woodhouse, M. (2023). PV Connect Reliability and Field Forensics [Conference Poster]. https://doi.org/10.2172/2431852 Publication ID: 130408
  • Cooper, E., Braid, J.L., Burnham, L., & Burnham, L. (2022). PV Performance Loss and Snow Shedding at Low Tilt Angle:A Utility-Scale Case Study [Conference Poster]. https://doi.org/10.2172/2004789 Publication ID: 117984
  • Burnham, L., King, B.H., Riley, D., Dice, P., Snyder, W., Braid, J.L., Dyreson, A., & Dyreson, A. (2022). Cold-Climate Field Laboratory Can Increase Phtotovoltaic System Performance & Reliability at Northern Latitudes [Conference Poster]. https://doi.org/10.2172/2003449 Publication ID: 113120
  • Riley, D., Burnham, L., King, B.H., Dice, P., Snyder, W., & Snyder, W. (2022). Snow Loading on a Tilted PV Module in Northern Michigan [Conference Poster]. https://doi.org/10.2172/2003416 Publication ID: 112992
  • Burnham, L., Riley, D., King, B.H., Braid, J.L., Dice, P., Dyreson, A., Snyder, W., Pike, C., & Pike, C. (2022). Dedicated cold-climate field laboratory for photovoltaic system and component studies: the Michigan Regional Test Center as a case study [Conference Paper]. Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference. https://doi.org/10.1109/PVSC48317.2022.9938861 Publication ID: 107592
  • Burnham, L. (2021). Harsh weather as a conributor to PV degradation and reliability [Conference Presenation]. https://doi.org/10.2172/1866562 Publication ID: 78330
  • Burnham, L. (2021). PV CAMPER Annual Report 30 December 2020. https://doi.org/10.2172/1770826 Publication ID: 77529
  • Lytle, W., Meyer, T.K., Tanikella, N.G., Burnham, L., Engel, J., Schelly, C., Pearce, J.M., & Pearce, J.M. (2021). Conceptual Design and Rationale for a New Agrivoltaics Concept: Pasture-Raised Rabbits and Solar Farming. Journal of Cleaner Production, 282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.124476 Publication ID: 72007
  • Burnham, L. (2020). Optimization of Photovoltaic Systems for Northern Latitudes [Conference Presenation]. https://doi.org/10.2172/1825586 Publication ID: 71179
  • Burnham, L., Riley, D., Braid, J.L., & Braid, J.L. (2020). Increasing Photovoltaic Efficiency in Snowy Climates: Design Considerations [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1820560 Publication ID: 74835
  • Burnham, L. (2020). PV CAMPER (Progress Report). https://doi.org/10.2172/1673179 Publication ID: 100248
  • Braga, M., de Oliveira, A.K.V., Burnham, L., Dittmann, S., Gottschalg, R., Betts, T., Rodriguez-Gallegos, C.D., Reindl, T., Ruther, R., & Ruther, R. (2020). Solar Over-Irradiance Events: Preliminary Results from a Global Study [Conference Poster]. Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85099539650&origin=inward Publication ID: 73860
  • Braid, J.L., Riley, D., Pearce, J.M., Burnham, L., & Burnham, L. (2020). Image Analysis Method for Quantifying Snow Losses on PV Systems [Conference Poster]. Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85099577659&origin=inward Publication ID: 73785
  • Braid, J.L., Riley, D., Pearce, J.M., Burnham, L., & Burnham, L. (2020). Image Analysis Method for Quantifying Snow Losses on PV Systems [Conference Poster]. Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85099577659&origin=inward Publication ID: 73786
  • Burnham, L. (2020). Snow as a Factor in Photovoltaic Performance and Reliability [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1773407 Publication ID: 73165
  • Stark, C.T., Burnham, L., & Burnham, L. (2020). Photovoltaic Collaborative to Advance Multi-Climate Performance and Energy Research (PV CAMPER) [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1768140 Publication ID: 72772
  • Burnham, L. (2019). Building the Foundation for a Terwatt World [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1642944 Publication ID: 65809
  • Burnham, L., Fay, D.R., Pearce, J., Whitney, E., & Whitney, E. (2019). Increased Performance of Photovoltaic Systems Installed at Northern Latitudes [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1642199 Publication ID: 65178
  • Burnham, L., Dittmann, S., Gottschalk, R., Benlarabi, A., Figgis, B., Reindl, T., Oh, S., Kim, K., Choi, J., Ruther, R., Fell, C., & Fell, C. (2019). PhotoVoltaic Collaborative to Advance Multiclimate Performance and Energy Research [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1641987 Publication ID: 64877
  • Burnham, L. (2019). The Nevada Regional Test Center: An Opportunity for Impact [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1645841 Publication ID: 64581
  • Burnham, L. (2019). PV Performance and Reliability in Snowy Climates: Opportunities and Challenges [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1645703 Publication ID: 70253
  • Burnham, L. (2019). PV Performance and Reliability in Snowy Climates: Opportunities and Challenges [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1645842 Publication ID: 64582
  • Burnham, L., Fay, D.R., Walker, B., Pearce, J., & Pearce, J. (2019). Performance of Bifacial Modules on a Dual-Axis Tracker in a High-Albedo Environment [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1641282 Publication ID: 69779
  • Riley, D., Burnham, L., Walker, B., Pearce, J.M., & Pearce, J.M. (2019). Differences in Snow Shedding in Photovoltaic Systems with Framed and Frameless Modules [Conference Poster]. Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference. https://doi.org/10.1109/PVSC40753.2019.8981389 Publication ID: 69095
  • Riley, D., Burnham, L., Walker, B., Pearce, J.M., & Pearce, J.M. (2019). Snow Shedding Differences between Framed and Frameless Modules – Poster [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1640744 Publication ID: 69109
  • Burnham, L., Riley, D., Walker, B., Pearce, J., & Pearce, J. (2019). Performance of Bifacial Modules Dual-Axis Trackers in a High-Latitude High-Albedo Environment [Conference Poster]. https://doi.org/10.1109/PVSC40753.2019.8980964 Publication ID: 69169
  • Burnham, L. (2019). PhotoVoltaic Collaborative to Advance Multiclimate Performance and Energy Research [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1640787 Publication ID: 69170
  • Burnham, L., Fay, D.R., Stark, C.T., & Stark, C.T. (2019). Sandia’s Technical Approach to Cross-Climate Performance Analysis [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1645269 Publication ID: 68591
  • Burnham, L., Dittman, S., Gottschalg, R., Benlarabi, A., Figgis, B., Reindl, T., Oh, S., & Oh, S. (2019). Supporting the Global Growth of PV: an International Collaborative to Improve Data Quality and Minimize Measuement Uncertainty [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1639219 Publication ID: 66954
  • Burnham, L., Riley, D., Pearce, J., and Walker, B., & and Walker, B. (2019). Performance of Bifacial Modules on a Dual-Axis Tracker in a High-Albedo Environment [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1639220 Publication ID: 66955
  • Dittmann, S., Burnham, L., Oh, S., Benlarabi, A., Choi, J., Ebert, M., Figgis, B., Gottschalg, R., Kim, K., Reindl, T., Ruther, R., & Ruther, R. (2019). Comparative analysis of albedo measurements (plane-of-array horizontal satellite) at multiple sites worldwide [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1601744 Publication ID: 67039
  • Burnham, L., Walker, B., Fay, D.R., & Fay, D.R. (2019). Electroluminescent Imaging of Modules Exposed to Snow and Ice Loading: a Preliminary Analysis [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1602620 Publication ID: 67164
  • Burnham, L. (2018). Energy Assurance for Solar-Powered Operations: the US DOE Regional Test Center Program [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1592597 Publication ID: 59700
  • Burnham, L. (2018). An International PV Collaborative to Advance Multi-climate and Performance Research [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1511785 Publication ID: 61885
  • Jeffers, R., Ellis, A., Burnham, L., & Burnham, L. (2017). Energy Resilience: A Framework and Case Studies for Community-Based Resilience [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1486983 Publication ID: 54600
  • Burnham, L., Lave, M., Stein, J.S., & Stein, J.S. (2017). Performance Comparison of Four SolarWorld Module Technologies at the US DOE Regional Test Center in New Mexico: November 2016 – March 2017. https://doi.org/10.2172/1374008 Publication ID: 57673
  • Burnham, L. (2017). The US DOE Regional Test Center Program [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1463775 Publication ID: 57681
  • Stein, J.S., Burnham, L., Jones, C.B., & Jones, C.B. (2017). Regional Test Center Operations Manual. https://doi.org/10.2172/1372166 Publication ID: 57374
  • Lave, M., Broderick, R.J., Burnham, L., & Burnham, L. (2017). Targeted Evaluation of Utility-Scale and Distributed Solar Forecasting [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1459080 Publication ID: 57068
  • Stein, J.S., Burnham, L., Lave, M., & Lave, M. (2017). One Year Performance Results for the Prism Solar Installation at the New Mexico Regional Test Center: Field Data from February 15 2016 – February 14 2017. https://doi.org/10.2172/1367463 Publication ID: 56693
  • Lave, M., Broderick, R.J., Burnham, L., & Burnham, L. (2017). Targeted Evaluation of Utility-Scale and Distributed Solar Forecasting [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1458092 Publication ID: 56596
  • Burnham, L. (2017). The US DOE Regional Test Center Program [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1431601 Publication ID: 55495
  • Lave, M., Burnham, L., Stein, J.S., & Stein, J.S. (2017). Performance Comparison of Stion CIGS Modules to Baseline Monocrystalline Modules at the New Mexico Florida and Vermont Regional Test Centers: January 2015-December 2016. https://doi.org/10.2172/1342487 Publication ID: 53040
  • Stamber, K.L., Burnham, L., Adams, S.S., Jeffers, R., Verzi, S.J., & Verzi, S.J. (2016). Modeling the benefits (or detriments) of increased automation in electric power grid operations: Methodology and experiments [Conference Poster]. Electricity Journal. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tej.2016.09.015 Publication ID: 51930
  • Lave, M., Stein, J.S., Burnham, L., & Burnham, L. (2016). Performance Results for the Prism Solar Installation at the New Mexico Regional Test Center: Field Data from February 15 – August 15 2016. https://doi.org/10.2172/1431472 Publication ID: 52344
  • Burnham, L., Stamber, K.L., Jeffers, R., Adams, S.S., Verzi, S.J., Sahakian, M., Haass, M.J., Cauthen, K.R., & Cauthen, K.R. (2016). Improving Grid Resilience through Informed Decision-making (IGRID). https://doi.org/10.2172/1431483 Publication ID: 52545
  • Burnham, L. (2016). The US DOE Regional Test Center Program [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1514693 Publication ID: 52126
  • Stamber, K.L., Burnham, L., Adams, S.S., Jeffers, R., Verzi, S.J., & Verzi, S.J. (2016). Modeling the Benefits (or Detriments) of Increased Automation in Utility Operations [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1390470 Publication ID: 52114
  • Burnham, L. (2016). To Err Is Human: Grid Automation and Operator Performance [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1380091 Publication ID: 52005
  • Sahm, A., Burnham, L., Boehm, R., Betemedhin, A., Wood, G., & Wood, G. (2016). The long-term viability of concentrated photovoltaic systems in the southwestern US [Conference Poster]. ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE). https://doi.org/10.1115/IMECE2016-66931 Publication ID: 50984
  • Burnham, L., Hannigan, F.P., Reno, M.J., & Reno, M.J. (2015). Improving Grid Resilience through Informed Decision-Making [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1531080 Publication ID: 45279
  • Haass, M.J., Burnham, L., Cole, K., Jeffers, R., Adams, S.S., Warrender, C., Forsythe, J.C., & Forsythe, J.C. (2015). Toward an Objective Measure of Automation for the Electric Grid [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1263980 Publication ID: 44395
  • Burnham, L., King, B.H., Deline, C., Barkaszi, S., Sahm, A., Stein, J.S., & Stein, J.S. (2015). The US DOE Regional Test Center Program:Driving Innovation Quality and Reliability [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1279686 Publication ID: 44741
  • Adams, S.S., Cole, K., Haass, M.J., Jeffers, R., Warrender, C., Burnham, L., Forsythe, J.C., & Forsythe, J.C. (2015). Situation awareness and automation in the electric grid control room [Conference Poster]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1248689 Publication ID: 42959
  • Burnham, L., Stein, J.S., Deline, C., & Deline, C. (2015). US DOW Regional Test Centers: Pathway to Bankability [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1240254 Publication ID: 42261
  • Adams, S.S., Cole, K., Haass, M.J., Warrender, C., Jeffers, R., Burnham, L., Forsythe, J.C., & Forsythe, J.C. (2015). Situation Awareness and Automation in the Electric Grid Control Room [Conference Poster]. Procedia Manufacturing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2015.07.609 Publication ID: 44681
  • Haass, M.J., Warrender, C., Burnham, L., Jeffers, R., Adams, S.S., Cole, K., Forsythe, J.C., & Forsythe, J.C. (2015). Toward an Objective Measure of Automation for the Electric Grid [Conference Poster]. Procedia Manufacturing. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85009962436&origin=inward Publication ID: 42973
  • Burnham, L. (2014). Solar at Sandia National Laboratories: Opportunities for Partnered Research [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1504032 Publication ID: 39570
  • Burnham, L. (2014). The Regional Test Center Program: Supporting the US PV Industry with Outdoor Technology Validation in Multiple Climates [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1504031 Publication ID: 39569
  • Burnham, L., Stein, J.S., Deline, C., & Deline, C. (2014). US DOE Regional Test Centers for Solar Technologies: Pathway to Bankability [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1502757 Publication ID: 38505
  • Burnham, L., Warrender, C., Cole, K., Forsythe, J.C., Haass, M.J., Adams, S.S., & Adams, S.S. (2014). Improving Grid Resilience Through Informed Decision-Making [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1497595 Publication ID: 38020
  • Burnham, L., Warrender, C., Cole, K., Forsythe, J.C., Haass, M.J., Adams, S.S., & Adams, S.S. (2014). The Role of Real-Time Decision-Making in Grid Resilience [Conference]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1140646 Publication ID: 37124
  • Burnham, L. (2013). The Vermont Regional Test Center [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1682562 Publication ID: 32025
  • Heinrichs, T.D., Burnham, L., & Burnham, L. (2013). Launch of Solar Testing Site in Vermont [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1673857 Publication ID: 31687
  • Burnham, L., Hwang, R.Q., Torres, J.J., & Torres, J.J. (2012). A Model for the Nation: Promoting Education and Innovation in Vermont’s Electricity Sector Summary of Activities Completed Through the Department of Energy Power Systems Fellowship Program Under Inter-Entity Work Order Number M610000767 [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1657057 Publication ID: 27308
  • Burnham, L. (2012). SPIDERS: The Smart Power Infrastructure Demonstration for Energy Reliability and Security [Presentation]. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1660666 Publication ID: 26813
Showing 10 of 68 publications.