In June 1974, the United States-Saudi Arabian Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation was established to promote cooperative programs in industrialization, trade, agriculture, science and technology, and training. A project for solar energy research and development was begun in October 1977. This Agreement for Cooperation in the Field of Solar Energy (SOLERAS) is implemented by an Executive Board which controls program funding and oversees project progress. A Project Selection Committee was appointed to define specific projects and develop recommendations for contractor selection. The Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) is the Operating Agent. The objectives of the SOLERAS Agreement are : (1) to cooperate in the field of solar energy technology for the mutual benefit of the two countries, including the development and stimulation of solar industries within the two countries ; (2) to advance the development of solar energy technology in the two countries ; and (3) to facilitate the transfer between the two countries of technology developed under this agreement.

In view of the increasing demand for cooling in both the United States and Saudi Arabia, solar cooling systems are being considered as serious alternatives to the energy intensive conventional systems, especially when confronted with rising fossil fuel costs. Saudi Arabia and the hot, southern regions of the United States, having abundant sunshine and high cooling demand, are obvious candidates for solar active cooling systems and passive cooling design.