5480.3:
Highly efficient nanocrystalline solar cells for indoor applications
Abstract
In close collaboration between the Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces (LPI), EPFL-Lausanne and Greatcell Solar SA (GSA) key elements for a novel design of dye sensitized nanocrystalline solar cells for diffused light applications will be identified and experimentally optimized. As a result of advanced interfacial engineering of the nanocrystals which constitute the heart of the photovoltaic device a significant increase in the power conversion efficiency for indoor conditions is expected. Experimental work will focus on enhancing the photovoltage of the cells. The target is to realize power conversion efficiencies that should be at least twice as high as that of amorphous silcion under 500 lux fluorescent light illumination. This will give a decisive competitive edge and unique selling propositions to GSA, which has to compete with amorphous silicon producers on the market for indoor applications. This project is critical to the start-up company Greatcell Solar, as it furnishes key information and technology required for the industrial production of advanced embodiments of the nanocrystalline dye solar cell. Cells meeting performance targets will be first developed at EPFL and the technology transferred to GSA to produce highly efficient modules for the rapidly expanding indoor photovoltaic market.
This project is divided into two parts:
Part I: Present part- May to October 2001
Part II: Continuation of project- November 2001 to May 2003
At the end of Part I, GSA and the EPFL will verify whether the objectives can be reached with respect to the market and manufacturing criteria.