Solar technologies can convert light into electricity or fuel by using the light to trigger movement of electrons through a material. The overarching objective of this research is to understand how localized electrons are in a subset of materials, known as polymers, that are parts of organic solar cells. To this end, materials will be prepared. Critically, capabilities will be developed to characterize a class of polymers that incorporate carbonyl groups. Studies will take advantage of National Laboratory facilities including 1) a radiation chemistry facility to leverage the infrared reporting properties of carbonyl groups to understand the nature and transport of charges along the polymers, 2) radiation chemistry and terahertz spectroscopy facilities to gain insight into the electronic structures of the polymers, 3) a synthesis facility to create blended polymers for investigation. Experimental results will be integrated with theoretical calculations to explore structure-property relationship across these solar-relevant polymers. In the best case, these investigations will result in the development of capabilities that can be used to study organic solar materials and to generate design guidelines for the future preparation of such materials.