Projects / Programmes
Nanostructures for high-efficiency solar cells and photovoltaic modules
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.03.03 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Energy engineering |
Renewable resources and technologies |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T140 |
Technological sciences |
Energy research |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.02 |
Engineering and Technology |
Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Information engineering |
photovoltaics, high-efficiency solar cell, nanostructure, transparent conductive oxide, modelling, characterization
Researchers (10)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
The basic research project »Nanostructures for high-efficiency solar cells and photovoltaic modules« is primarily focusing on investigation and development of
nanostructures and
novel oxide materials
for advanced concepts of single and multi-junction solar cells and PV modules.
Project consortium consists of two complimentary Slovenian research groups Laboratory of Photovoltaics and Optoelectronics (UL FE, 1538-030) and Department of Electronic Ceramics (Institute Jožef Stefan, 0106-033). Both groups are internationally recognized at the key areas of the proposed project (see references) in the European R&D arena.
Advanced concepts will be applied (but not limited) to two thin-film PV technologies:
thin-film silicon and
dye-sensitized solar cell technology.
The main objectives of the project are:
design of nanostructures and novel oxide materials for solar cells by means of modelling (including development of numerical models for novel structures);
development of nanostructures for a high level of light trapping in solar cells;
development of advanced mixed metal oxides exhibiting high transparency and high conductivity for contact layers;
development of advanced oxides as index grading films in function of anti-reflecting or reflecting layers in solar cells.
The objectives will be pursued by means of R&D through a continuous loop of design, modeling, experimental validation of components and implementation in complete thin-film solar cell devices.
The proposed solutions will aim at higher conversion efficiencies of the solar cells and photovoltaic modules, lower consumption of the material, reducing energy and process time in the production. As a consequence significant improvements in technological processes of solar cells and in PV module competitiveness are expected.
Significance for science
The proposed project has generated new scientific and technological knowledge in photovoltaics that hs been pathing the way for high-efficiency solar cells and PV modules. We expect that our results will continue to generate impact and a high added value in the fields of materials, nanosciences and photovoltaics. Within the specific field of thin-film solar cells and modules, the proposed project has contributed to the knowledge on light management aiming at high conversion efficiency. The knowledge gained enables a better yield of solar energy and paths future development trends of high-efficiency solar cells and modules at competitive cost. The realized dissemination activities that contributed to the development of science and scientific fields can be grouped as: - the international scientific monograph, - publication of original scientific papers in specialized international journals, - invited talks and lectures, - contribution to and organization of workshops and conferences.
Significance for the country
High-level research, development and implementation of cutting-edge solutions in products (solar cells, PV modules) is crucial aspect for success. In particular, research of nanostructures and new (oxide) materials for advanced concepts of solar cells belong to the area of novel (nano)technologies within photovoltaics. And photovoltaics appears as one of the most promising long-term RES solutions for electricity supply. We believe the projects made impact and being of importance for sustainable evolution in energy sector in Europe and Slovenia. Besides fundamental research, which has generated state-of-the-art knowledge, numerous scientific publications in the top PV specialized international journals have been realized, we aimed at development of new technologies and products in the field of photovoltaics, where we continue to target increased cooperation with companies in Slovenia and abroad. Last, but not least we strived to continuously transfer research and development results and experiences into the educational process, what strengthens our quality and temporariness in contents of our undergraduate and postgraduate subjects at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and in invited lectures at other universities and institutes around the globe.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
