In the context of the Low Carbon Energy Observatory of the Joint Research Centre we are opening up a consultation in order to identify which are the more promising emerging solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies.
(How to define emerging solar PV technologies? These are technologies still far away from the maturity, with a TRL of 1-4, still researched at the university level, rather than in big companies.)
I would like to have your views on what you consider the most interesting emerging solar PV technologies, in the medium-long term.
The same way traditional semiconductor industries (like CMOS) are gradually displaced by the emerging non-silicon based nanotechnologies, I do believe that silicon-based PV industry will be displaced with more efficient nanotechnology-based PV cells in the medium-long term. Despite that fact it is not yet commercial, many companies today are developing such solar cells (EnSol, Solarmer Energy, etc …)
Hello Prof. Moro,
Good day!
In the last 10 years, the efficiency of average commercial wafer-based PV Si modules increased from about 12 % to 16 %. At the same time, CdTe module efficiency increased from 9 % to 13 %.
In future, high efficient solar cells could be innovated with cost reductions.
In my opinion, the major technological challenge is related with the Massive Energy Storage from intermittent Mega Solar (PV) Power Generation System.
Another challenge may occur at Power Electronics Portion.
I would like to share as follows:
Regards,
https://mitei.mit.edu/system/files/MIT%20Future%20of%20Solar%20Energy%20Study_compressed.pdf
http://www.treehugger.com/solar-technology/mit-says-current-solar-technology-good-enough.html
https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/solar-powers-bright-future
https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/de/downloads/pdf-files/aktuelles/photovoltaics-report-in-englischer-sprache.pdf
There are fundamental limits set by quantum mechanics that constrain the efficiency of low cost, single junction cells. Perhaps we will one day have double junction cells which can approach 25-30% efficiency - but beyond this the cells become too spectrally sensitive. It is perfectly feasible to design cells of over 50% efficiency but the match between the cell response and the spectral energy density of the incident light must now be defined to the nanometer. For example a four layer cell giving 50% efficiency at noon will fail almost completely in the early morning or late afternoon when the solar spectrum is substantially different to that the cell has been designed to operate under.
Another type of improvement would be a solar batter where the device can store electrical energy and deliver it when the sun is not shining. But we're nowhere near that, either!
It’s a bit like the case of EV’s batteries – still improving – some totally new chemistries under research… Both performance and price matters...
It is evident that solar PV technologies has Bright Future.
- The world’s first “solar road,” has been in operation in the Netherlands since November 2014, but it’s already generating more power than expected.
- The French government plans to pave 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of its roads with solar PV panels in the next five years, which will supply power to 5 millions of people (about 8 percent of the French population).
Thanks to all!
I will come back soon with a more specific survey, meanwhile, thanks again!
Alberto
I cannot agree with Professor Roncali more. His arguement is very objective. Although the research stays in the university level and meets many bottlenecks, we should hold optimistic attitude on OPVs. Also, I think anyone else had better not deny the technology before we deny it because OPV is the "child" that we feed carefully. I also hold optimistic attitude on organic semi-conductors. I recommend a review on SCIENCE that have an objective comment on the existing PV technology. It is Photovoltaic materials: Present efficiencies and future challenges by Professor Albert Polman.
Hello Prof. Alberto Moro,
Leading ‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member Trina Solar had achieved a new World Record for a large-area Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) solar cell.
Independently confirmed by the Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories (JET), Trina Solar set the conversion efficiency record at 23.5%, using 156x156 mm2 n-type monocrystalline silicon (c-Si) wafers and a screen-printed process.
Trina Solar had previously set a screen-printed IBC cell record at 22.94% in May, 2014 and has continued to develop the cell in collaboration with the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia.
However, Japan-based Kaneka Corporation had achieved a large-area heterojunction technology-based (HJBC) solar cell with a cell conversion efficiency of 24.5% and a cell of 24.9% that was independently confirmed at AIST that adopted a cell structure and optimised insulator layer deposition techniques that suppressed rear electrode resistance.
Regards,
http://www.pv-tech.org/news/trina-solar-sets-23.5-ibc-cell-conversion-efficiency-record-for-screen-prin
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