Environment & Energy

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1974
In October, President Gerald Ford establishes the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) and signs the Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act, which creates the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI).

The establishment of SERI marks the first time the U.S. tackles energy issues through a center of innovation to create and market renewable energy technologies, versus through policy.

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1977
In February, President Jimmy Carter tells the nation how critical SERI's work will be to his administration's goals: "We will emphasize research on solar energy and other renewable energy sources."

In March, ERDA selects MRI to operate SERI in Golden, Colorado.

On July 5, SERI, the first federal facility dedicated to developing solar power, opens with Princeton-based photovoltaic researcher Paul Rappaport as director. A small staff moves into temporary facilities in the Denver West Office Park near South Table Mountain.

In August, President Carter forms the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing ERDA.

SERI begins taking on part of the federal wind program's research and development work.

1978
On May 3, President Carter visits South Table Mountain to celebrate Sun Day, a new holiday commemorating the dawn of a new solar age. In addition to addressing the gathered crowd, President Carter reviews some of SERI's work, including solar photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, a biomass converter, and a model of a solar power plant.

In November, President Carter signs the Solar Photovoltaic Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1978. The act tasks SERI researchers with reducing the average cost of solar photovoltaic systems, or solar cells, to $1 per watt by 1988. (For context, a 1-watt cell cost almost $300 per watt in 1956 and $77 per watt about 25 years later.)

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1980
SERI's budget increases from $90 million to $130 million—estimated to be more than all other nations' combined spend on renewable research. The staff grows to nearly 1,000.

SERI launches the Denver Metro Home Builders Program to bring new building technology into common commercial practice. A "Parade of Homes" draws more than 100,000 visitors touring model houses constructed using energy-efficient practices in the first weekend alone. The 2-week event yields 31 sales contracts and more than 60 preorders for additional passive solar homes.

1981
President Ronald Reagan slashes the SERI budget to less than $30 million and reduces its staff to 450 people; Director Denis Hayes resigns.

SERI relies on spending earmarks from congressional supporters to fund its work.

MRI Senior Vice President Harold "Hub" Hubbard is named SERI's new director.

In July, SERI earns its first patent for a concept that boosts the conversion efficiency of solar cells.

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