When it comes to the production of solar energy and other renewable technologies, many people may not be aware of the rare metals and other materials that are often required for their manufacture.

This is especially the case now that companies are finding new materials to build photovoltaic panels with. Another example is the batteries used in the rapidly increasing number of hybrid and electric vehicles on the road that require lithium for their current batteries.

Given the importance of certain materials to the generation of renewable energy, the U.S. Department of Energy has put out a request for information soliciting information about the rare earth materials and other materials currently being used in the energy sector.

The request specifically focuses on metals including lanthanum, cerium and neodymium, as well as lithium and cobalt, among others.

According to the DOE, these materials are among those used in the manufacture of products like energy efficient light bulbs and wind turbines, as well as solar panels and hybrid vehicles. Using the information it gathers, the DOE is planning to develop its first-ever strategic plan for rare earth metals and their use in energy components, products and processes.