NANOPV

Nanomaterials and nanotechnology for advanced photovoltaics

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The NanoPV project aims at making a breakthrough step-change in photovoltaics by the removal of a set of bottlenecks which have been identified to block the application of nanostructures for high-efficiency, low-cost solar cells. The bottlenecks arise from the present lack of up-scalable processes that can meet the needs for nanomaterials in PV applications, and the lack of relevant equipment and industrial lines. In order to remove these bottlenecks, the main objectives of NanoPV are: 1) To develop technologies that can increase the efficiency and reduce the processing cost of existing silicon solar cell technologies using nano-scale effects provided by nanomaterials to above 20% for wafer based and above 15 % for thin film silicon based solar cells at a processing cost for modules well below 1 €/watt. 2) To design and to fabricate low cost solar cells entirely from nanomaterials by using nanostructures. An efficiency of above 10 % at processing costs well below 1 €/watt is targeted with potential of further significant improvements in the future. 3) To develop up-scalable cost effective processes and equipment in order to implement both enhanced standard solar cells and solar cell based on nanomaterials as well as related modules to existing pilot lines. 4) To create new market opportunities for the industrial partners. Nanotechnology will be applied for both already existing conventional Si solar cells (wafer and thin-film based) and for advanced solar cells entirely based on nanostructures. The main scientific efforts will be on understanding and exploitation of such nanomaterials as i) 0D quantum dots, nanocrystals and nanoparticles, ii) 1D nanowires and nanorods, and iii) 2D nanomaterials such as ultrathin layers. A large number of specialised technologies will be applied in the project. Therefore, in order to ensure successful completion, a comparatively large consortium of 9 complementary research partners and 3 industries has been assembled.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Harvesting the Sun's virtually limitless supply of energy is an incredibly sustainable way to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Novel technologies developed with EU funding promise to enhance widespread market uptake.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Silicon (Si)-based photovoltaic (PV) devices can now be seen on rooftops and solar farms across Europe, yet widespread implementation is hindered by costs and limits in efficiency. The EU-funded project 'Nanomaterials and nanotechnology for advanced photovoltaics' (http://www.sintef.no/Projectweb/nanoPV/ (NANOPV)) addressed current bottlenecks in production with large-scale processes and equipment for production of PVs from nanomaterials.

The consortium studied a large variety of such materials from zero-dimensional quantum dots, nanocrystals and nanoparticles, to 1D nanowires and nanorods and even 2D ultra-thin nanolayers. In addition to materials' development to enhance efficiency, scientists developed cost-effective large-scale processes and equipment for integration into existing pilot and industrial production lines.

Nanomaterials can significantly enhance efficiencies by making better use of the electromagnetic spectrum, taking advantage of a broader range of available wavelengths. More than 20 % energy conversion efficiency was targeted for wafer-based Si devices and more than 15 % for epitaxially grown thin-film Si solar cells. Scientists also assessed low-cost solar cells produced entirely from nanomaterials.

Of the more than 50 materials tested, 9 were integrated in wafer-based Si devices and 11 in thin-film Si solar cells. Enhanced conversion efficiency was seen in some cases. A database of the most promising candidates has been created and several were chosen for optimisation within the project.

For instance, the team optimised fabrication of solar cells with Si nanorod/nanowire structures. This resulted in thin film solar cells of high efficiency (10 %) that can be produced cost effectively at industrial scale. In addition, incorporation of Si-based nanolayers into Si-based solar cell structures resulted in high conversion efficiency for both wafer-based (> 20 %) and epitaxially grown thin-film (~ 15 %) architectures.

NANOPV demonstrated the feasibility of high-efficiency, low-cost PV devices using nanomaterials. The project has contributed to development of a safe, cost-effective and sustainable energy supply with technologies that will enhance the competitive position of the EU in a market poised for a major breakthrough.