The first light (IMAGE) DOE/Sandia National Laboratories Caption In 1978, Sandia National Laboratories began concentrating solar power research at the newly constructed National Solar Thermal Test Facility. Historical photos, like this one, are part of the global archive of concentrating solar power documents. Credit Photo courtesy Sandia National Laboratories Usage Restrictions With credit License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.