Harnessing solar energy is key to creating a sustainable future, as it provides a clean and renewable alternative to fossil fuels. Solar technologies convert sunlight into electricity and chemicals, offering solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. The development of efficient solar energy harvesting solutions is crucial for both large-scale power generation and localized chemicals production technologies, particularly in remote or underserved areas. At SSRL, we enable advanced x-ray techniques to investigate and enhance both photoabsorbers and photocatalysts used in solar technologies. Photoabsorbers are materials that capture sunlight and convert it into electrical energy, while photocatalysts directly convert sunlight into chemical energy, enabling the production of solar fuels such as hydrogen. Research performed at SSRL focuses on improving the efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness of these materials. By studying their atomic and molecular structures, scientists gain insights into how they can be optimized for better performance, including their interaction with light, and the efficient use of the charge carriers under various environmental conditions. Such work aims to accelerate the development of innovative solar energy solutions, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape.