In addition to being a leading player in the chemicals industry, Total is investing in renewable energy research and development projects, such as solar and biofuels, and has been active in solar energy since 1983. The company has built expertise in photovoltaic solar power through joint venture affiliates Tenesol and Photovoltech, and is a significant shareholder in US technology companies like Konarka and AE Polysilicon, which specialize in organic solar technologies and new solar polysilicon production technology, respectively.