Cutting-edge solar cell technology: from idea to fabrication
Themes: High Tech, Energy
Late lab scale demonstration
A TRL is a measure to indicate the matureness of a developing technology. When an innovative idea is discovered it is often not directly suitable for application. Usually such novel idea is subjected to further experimentation, testing and prototyping before it can be implemented. The image below shows how to read TRL’s to categorise the innovative ideas.
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Why?
In-house fabrication of lab-scale photovoltaic devices enables prototyping of cutting edge research, leading to world class results. It enables demonstrations and furthers innovations well beyond proof of principle to a (semi-)industrial baseline.
How?
Unique among Dutch universities, TU Delft has in-house solar cell fabrication and characterisation facilities for solar cells based on wafer-based crystalline silicon, thin-film silicon and other thin-film technologies.
When?
Innovations are ongoing in close collaboration with industrial partners. In 2017, among others, > 23% conversion efficiency in c-Si solar cells and first attempts of hybrid multi-junction solar cells are expected.
Dr. Olindo Isabella