ODTÜ-GÜNAM (Center for Solar Energy Research and Applications of Middle East Technical University) is Turkey’s most competent and comprehensive research infrastructure in the field of solar energy, established in 2009 through METU’s initiatives. In 2021, ODTÜ-GÜNAM was designated as a “Thematic Research Infrastructure” under Law No. 6550. It offers an integrated and multidisciplinary R&D ecosystem that guides industry through fundamental and applied research.
ODTÜ-GÜNAM operates in the fields of silicon and emerging photovoltaic technologies, solar module systems, concentrated solar energy solutions, power electronics, and grid integration. The center also provides services such as testing, characterization, technology transfer, prototyping, and consultancy with a holistic approach.
ODTÜ-GÜNAM’s R&D capacity is built on a modern infrastructure spread over more than 4,500 m² within the METU campus. Core components of this system include a Photovoltaic Pilot Production Line (GPVL) structured at semi-industrial scale, cleanroom facilities, advanced testing and characterization laboratories, outdoor test benches, laser and metallization laboratories, concentrated solar energy simulation systems, and power electronics infrastructure. As of 2023, the R&D capacity has been further enhanced with new laboratories established in the fields of emerging photovoltaics (perovskite, tandem, OPV) and materials recycling.
Through national and international public-private partnerships, ODTÜ-GÜNAM plays a strategic role in Turkey’s energy transition process. It aims to provide advanced technological and knowledge-based support to researchers, entrepreneurs, public institutions, and industry.
Core Values:
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Innovation and Excellence: A continuous pursuit of innovation in scientific research and technological development with a commitment to the highest quality standards,
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Sustainability: Prioritizing environmental, economic, and social sustainability in energy solutions,
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Collaboration and Sharing: Building strong collaborations with academia, industry, government bodies, and civil society to share knowledge, experience, and technology,
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Education and Capacity Building: Training future scientists, engineers, and experts with key skills for the sector; promoting continuous learning; supporting young researchers and gender equality in R&D,
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Impact and Service Orientation: Demonstrating the societal impact of innovations through visible values in scientific and technological advancement, social welfare, economic value, and environmental benefit,
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Social Responsibility and Inclusiveness: Grounding the broad impact of developed technologies in social innovation models that align with a just energy transition, respect gender equality and cultural values, and offer solutions from national energy security to household energy poverty; contributing to the social acceptance of innovations.