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Description
The goal of the project is to enhance research-based knowledge development in Baltic-Nordic states through cooperation by developing materials for semi-transparent bifacial cost-effective solar cells, which operate efficiently in full and faint sunlight, as well as snowy conditions. These solar cells present unlimited potential market applications - from light harvesting in shaded parts of houses to windows of electric cars to architecture. The market potential of these solar cells for residential and commercial solar PV in Nordic and Baltic countries is tremendous. This project builds on the pre-existing complementary scientific expertise in the related fields of synthesis of novel organic and inorganic hole conductor materials (KTU), their characterization (ISSP UL), thin film deposition and solar cell fabrication (TalTech), materials modelling and defect chemistry by first principles calculations as well as device modelling for solar cell modelling (IFE).
The solar cell technology developed in this project can add value to pre‐existing solar cell developments as these devices could efficiently generate electricity under complete cloud cover; hence, they are suitable for power generation in areas with below average insolation (for example Norway, Iceland, Baltic states) and substantial cloud cover, e.g. Northern Europe, Nordic countries, Canada. Thus, increasing variety and capacity of the power generation from the sunlight in such regions. Development of the technology would promote the start of new, innovative, and research‐intensive entrepreneurship, creation of working places for highly educated and skilled people. It would contribute towards fulfilling the EU aim to reduce CO2 pollution, and promote well‐being and healthy environment for the people today and in the future.
Summary of project results
The aim of the project is to develop resource saving semi-transparent bifacial thin film solar cells working in full and faint sunlight, and snowy conditions – a unique solution for electricity production from sunlight in areas with sub-average sunlight, e.g. Nordic and Baltic countries. The project created an international context where the Baltic and Nordic countries face similar challenges regarding solar energy. It is also very important, that the project contributed in fulfilling the EU aim for PV installations, to reduce CO2 pollution.
Goal of the project was to enhance research based knowledge development in Baltic Nordic states through cooperation by developing materials for semi-transparent bifacial cost-effective solar cells, which operate efficiently in full and faint sunlight, as well as snowy conditions. These solar cells present unlimited potential market applications from light harvesting in shaded parts of houses to windows of electric cars to architecture. The market potential of these solar cells for residential and commercial solar photovoltaics in Nordic and Baltic countries is tremendous. This project built on the pre-existing complementary scientific expertise in the related fields of synthesis of novel organic and inorganic hole conductor materials, their characterization, thin film deposition and solar cell fabrication, materials modelling and defect chemistry by first principles calculations as well as device modelling for solar cell modelling. The synergy of joint research collaboration gave novel input to development of such solar cells for innovative applications. The project stimulated collaborative research on EU and regional level and offered splendid possibilities for PhD postdoctoral students’ research.
The results of the project have significant impact on national and regional economy by advancing creation of well‐being and healthy environment for the people today and in the future: 1. Providing technological innovation and faster implementation of affordable building integrated PV and near-zero energy houses; 2. Increasing the PV applications variety and capacity in Baltic and Nordic countries; 3. The project was focusing on earth abundant and nontoxic materials, thus contributing to the well-being and healthy environment for the people today and in the future.
Summary of bilateral results
Research teams jointly addressed research targets by organizing regular in person and on line meetings at which progress was discussed, future steps planned, problems arising during different stages of the project discussed and solved by drawing upon diverse experience of team members with different backgrounds (chemists, material scientist, physicists specializing in organic or inorganic materials, device construction, theoreticians) to see the problem from different angles. Joint efforts toward dissemination of the project’s results have been discussed and coordinated. Partner from donor country contributed with expertise in modeling and theoretical calculations which are an important tool in predicting future device and materials performance. Other project members gained practical knowledge on how to conduct such calculations, especially during staff exchange visits to and from donor partner.