NGCPV

"A new generation of concentrator photovoltaic cells, modules and systems"

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The Project, through a collaborative research between seven European and nine Japanese leading research centers in the field of concentration photovoltaics (CPV), pursues the improvement of present concentrator cell, module and system efficiency. Particular effort will be devoted to the development of multijunction solar cells (by researching on metamorphic, lattice match, inverted and bifacial growth, use of silicon substrates and incorporation of quantum nanostructures) with the objective of approaching the 50 % efficiency goal at cell level and 35% at module level (by incorporating advanced optics as for example Fresnel-Kohler concentrators). As a means to speed up the progress, the Project will also expand the use of characterization techniques suitable for CPV materials, cells, trackers, modules and systems by developing new ones, incorporating advanced semiconductor techniques to the field of photovoltaics (such as three dimensional real-time reciprocal space mapping, 3D-RTSM, piezoelectric photo-thermal and optical time resolved techniques) and by deploying a round robin scheme that allows the qualification and standardization of the results derived from the measurements. To support all these studies from a global perspective and, in particular, to ensure an accurate forecast of the energy produced at system level, the Project plans to build a 50 kW concentrator plant. To achieve its goals, the Project is structured into five RTD workpackages: new materials and device characterization, development of novel device technologies and quantum nanostructures for CPV, development of advanced CPV cells, development of characterization tools for CPV cells, modules and systems and development of CPV modules and systems. To strength the collaboration between EU and Japan, the Proposal also foresees more than 20 interchange visits. NGCPV is an EU coordinated project in the framework of call FP7-ENERGY-2011-JAPAN, forseeing a simultaneous start with the Japanese coordinated project. Accordingly, the Japanese project should start at the latest within 3 months of the signature of the EU grant agreement.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

The Sun is a giant reactor creating one of the most renewable and natural forms of energy around. EU-funded scientists are delivering solar cells to convert that energy into electricity with world-record efficiency.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Using a lens to focus the Sun's rays onto a piece of paper and initiate burning may seem like child's play. However, these principles form the basis of exploiting one of the most promising renewable energy options to date. Concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies use mirrors or lenses to focus the Sun's energy and convert it into steam for electricity generation. These technologies have the potential to help the EU decrease dependence on fossil fuels as well as reduce harmful emissions.

Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) technology was employed in multiple power plants connected to the grid in 2011 and forecasts predict tremendous market uptake within the next five years. Scientists initiated the EU-funded project 'A new generation of concentrator photovoltaic cells, modules and systems' (http://www.ngcpv.org/ (NGCPV)) to substantially increase the efficiency and decrease the cost of such systems.

The consortium of European and Japanese experts that targeted unprecedented near-50 % efficiency is well on its way to achieving those goals. CPV cells demonstrated a record 43.5 % efficiency at the end of the second year and, by the end of the third year, a new record of 44.4 % was achieved.

The 50 kiloWatt CPV plant installed and connected to the grid continues to produce data. This is used to evaluate irradiance parameters and climatic conditions and to support development of certification procedures. Based on this, investigators are also developing rules for power prediction.

Scientists are developing characterisation tools for CPV cells, modules and systems for indoor and outdoor testing that will facilitate enhanced performance at reduced cost. In parallel, researchers are developing solar cells based on semiconductor nanostructures, including multiple quantum wells and quantum dots. Using concentrated light in these structures is improving the open-circuit voltage of these cells beyond initial expectations.

NGCPV is providing a turbo-boost to the efficiency of CPV technology through important characterisation tools to support optimisation of materials, subcomponents and power plants. Taken together, NGCPV technology should accelerate the move to solar energy as a renewable and clean alternative to fossil fuels.