The Engineering Faculty of University of Jaffna (UoJ) has initiated the conceptual development of a Center for Excellence (CoE) in Solar Research that is expected to be, when set up, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. The Center will be equipped with latest testing equipment on measuring solar irradiance as well as other parameters. We feel the setting up of this CoE is important as a reference point for both academia and the industry, given that the country has now embarked on up taking solar technology. The CoE will undertake both solar photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal research. While there are some accomplishments in solar PV applications in this country, the solar thermal field remains relatively unexpired.