Building integration of PV in the UK has the potential to generate over 20% of our energy needs from the ultimate clean renewable energy source. For this vision to become reality, PV energy conversion efficiencies must be improved and fabrication costs reduced. Although thin film PV holds the promise of for low cost production, AM1.5 conversion module efficiencies are
currently 10% or less, so there is scope for substantial
improvement.
By contrast, efficiencies for inherently more expensive monocrystalline silicon modules are approaching 20%, but here the potential for cost reduction is lower. For this reason, the PV21 Consortium will focus effort on the three polycrystalline thin film platforms of silicon, cadmium telluride and the copper indium diselenide (CIS) class of alloys, while encouraging pursuit of the relatively mature wafer silicon technology activity in Loughborough outside the Consortium.
The three basic platforms will be used to test innovative materials and design concepts - for example new absorber materials, transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) or light capture strategies - some of which may also be relevant to the Excitonic Solar Cells Consortium. The Consortium's structured approach will be enhanced by integration of 'Plus' projects that will inject new ideas and open new pathways towards the ultimate goals
of PV21.
The Consortium is increasingly aware of the important role played by economic factors in determining the timescale for widespread adoption of thin film PV, and the inclusion of a new package focussing on economic issues will ensure that the planning and management of PV21 will be based on informed choices regarding sustainability, producibility and long term economic viability. This contextualization of the PV21 research platform will also improve the quality of the Consortium's training programme and aid dissemination to a wider industrial and public audience.
