KESTCELLS

Training for sustainable low cost PV technologies: development of kesterite based efficient solar cells

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The overall objective of this project is the creation of an ITN network for the structured interdisciplinary training of researchers in advanced thin film photovoltaic (PV) technologies. The project proposes the development of new technologies compatible with the cost, efficiency, sustainability and mass production requirements that are needed to become a reliable and future alternative to conventional non renewable energy sources. With this objective in mind, the project will focus on the development of kesterite based solar cells.

Kesterites are quaternary compounds with a crystalline structure very similar to that of chalcopyrites (CIGS: Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2). They have a strong potential for thin film low cost PV technologies, related to their direct bandgap and high optical absorption. In contrast with CIGS -where the potential for high mass production is compromised by the scarcity of In- they are constituted by abundant elements.

For this, a consortium formed by research institutes, universities and companies with strongly complementary expertises has been formed. This includes groups that are leaders on the development of kesterite cells (Univ. Northumbria, HZB, Univ. Luxembourg) with groups with strong expertise on CIGS technologies (that are the parent technologies for kesterite solar cells) (EMPA, UU-ASC, NEXCIS, IREC, Free Univ. Berlin, Univ. d'Aix-Marseille, Autonomous Univ. Madrid). Free Univ. Berlin has also significant experience in the crystalline analysis of kesterites. Involvement of private companies (NEXCIS, Abengoa) devoted to the production and exploitation of PV technologies provides with complementary training aspects related to transferability of processes to industrial production and exploitation issues. All these aspects are relevant for the definition of a structured interdisciplinary training programme for the formation of high level researchers that will be required in Europe for the development of competitive PV technologies.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technology has experienced rapid growth and achieved significant technological advances, thus solidifying its position in the solar market. To ensure continued growth and competitiveness, an EU initiative is training high-level researchers in the technology.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Thin-film PV offers many advantages over other technologies, including low consumption of raw materials, highly automated and efficient manufacturing processes, low carbon footprint, better performance at elevated temperatures and reduced sensitivity to overheating. It is expected to surpass leading standard solar PV technologies. Interdisciplinary research training is considered necessary to help reverse lack of expertise and guarantee the future strategic development of PV technologies in Europe.

With this in mind, the EU-funded http://www.kestcells.eu/ (KESTCELLS) project is training 12 doctoral students and 2 postdocs in advanced thin-film PV technologies mainly through the design of specific career development plans, secondments, seminars, thematic workshops and meetings.

Researchers are developing PV technologies based on kesterites and copper- and zinc-rich minerals made from non-toxic and low-cost raw materials. Kesterites meet the sustainability and mass production requirements needed for future solar energy.

At the halfway point of the project, researchers have acquired a much deeper understanding of the basic properties of kesterites. New knowledge includes order-disorder outcomes, cationic distribution, and development of a phonon confinement model to assess the quality of layers and identify important optical parameters.

New processes such as physical vapour deposition methods and chemical routes have been designed to combine kesterites. To achieve process control, light scattering-based methods have been developed.

Researchers intensified dissemination activities during this period, evidenced by 63 presentations at international conferences and 11 publications in international peer-reviewed journals.

KESTCELLS is helping to boost the know-how and competencies of researchers in thin-film PV technology, thus ensuring a competitive PV sector in Europe.