About the project
Photovoltaics (PV) are already implemented world-wide with a contribution to the global energy surpassing 7% of the total energy generation. More than 80% of the new renewable capacity added is from PV making it the fastest growing power source. Despite the rapid implementation, the potential for further improvements in efficiency and durability are large and even small numbers have large impacts. However, apart from building on the silicon eco-system, there is currently no single clear choice next generation of technology, but rather many possibilities with their benefits and drawbacks. In this landscape we have chosen to focus on active research and development in those areas we anticipate will have most potential to drive significant changes in the next decade, such as tandem solar cells.
Tandem solar cells exploit multiple junctions to harvest broader ranges of the solar spectrum. We base our design on the existing silicon PV junction and design our tandem structures to further improve this architecture. This constrains us to use materials and structures that are as environmentally benign, stable and tolerant as the silicon cells themselves. Our focus is mainly on ceramics by transition elements such as oxides, nitrides and more.
Objectives
As material scientists we strive to create implement new structures and solid solutions of ceramic materials as thin films using a range of tools such as combinatorial PLD, sputtering and atomic layer deposition. We target highly crystalline materials where interfaces and defects can be controlled and manipulated. All with focus on designing band gap, absorptive power and mobilities of charge. Our focus is long term in that that we focus on material systems with the most potential in terms of effect and sustainability rather than on already proven figure of merits.
Read more about the project on the official webpage: fmesolar.no.
