Sustainable Power and Energy Center
Solving key technical challenges in distributed energy generation, storage and power management.
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Solving key technical challenges in distributed energy generation, storage and power management.
Research
Solving key technical challenges in distributed energy generation, storage and power management.
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Solving key technical challenges in distributed energy generation, storage and power management.
We research and develop higher-performance and lower-cost materials and devices for energy generation, storage and conversion. Our target industries are electric vehicles, microgrids, photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, wearable power devices, and more.
UC San Diego's world-renowned microgrid serves as a real-world test-bed for our work, which is rooted in thoughtful analyses of the economics of distributed energy.
At every point along the way, we train and mentor our students to become tomorrow’s workforce for green and advanced energy.
SPEC News from the Jacobs School
A Temporary Melting Liquid Could Help Build Better Perovskite Solar Cells and LEDs
October 8, 2026
Researchers developed a new way to make perovskite solar cells — a promising next-generation solar technology — more efficient and durable. Their crystallization technique produced more uniform perovskites with fewer defects, which boosted the performance of lab-made solar cells and LEDs. Full Story
New XPS Instrument at UC San Diego Gives Researchers a Closer Look at Material Surfaces
July 13, 2026
A new XPS machine at the UC San Diego Qualcomm Institute is helping researchers advance work in battery technology, surface coatings and medical devices. Full Story
Real-world challenges inform our fundamental research. The Sustainable Power and Energy Center works closely with industry partners.
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UC San Diego's world-renowned microgrid serves as a real-world test-bed for our work, which is rooted in thoughtful analyses of the economics of distributed energy.
Industry Partners
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