What we do

Sandia’s National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) performs research and development activities to advance concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies for electricity, process heat, hydrogen, and fuels.​

Tower-based systems

Our expertise in CSP systems is based on decades of experience and service to industry. Read more about our CSP performance and evaluation capabilities.

Extreme environments testing

The NSTTF has the capability to test in high-temperature, extreme flux, pressurized and vacuum conditions. Partners include the aerospace industry, government agencies and branches of the U.S. military. Visit our extreme testing environments page to learn more about the products we test and characterize.

Molten salts and materials evaluation

The NSTTF team has broad knowledge and expertise in molten-salt research across multiple testing facilities. ​Find out more about our molten salts facility and capabilities.

Optics metrology and characterization

We work to develop tools and methods for the design and implementation of solar concentrators using indoor and outdoor laboratories.​ Read more about our optics metrology and characterization.