Description
The objective of the project is to develop processes for new cost-efficient photovoltaic devices for applications in large area industrial/commercial roofs, as well as to design specific products for integration in facades and smaller energy generation devices for powering of autonomous systems. The project aims to exploit the potential of chalcopyrite-CIGS (semiconductor material used for its high photovoltaic efficiency to build solar panels) based technologies for high efficiency devices together with that of chemical based processes for reduction of costs, developing processes with very low environmental impact and well adapted to their scale-up towards industrial mass production levels. The project will allow consolidation of a cost-efficient photovoltaic technology, enhancing the use of renewable sustainable energy sources in the production of electricity and thus contributing to decrease of green-house effect emissions.
Summary of project results
The main objective of the FLEXART project has been the development of new low–cost photovoltaic technologies using printing processes, specially designed for substrates with low weight and flexible, using absorbers chalcopyrite and its extension to new absorbers formed by abundant elements in the earth's crust and low toxicity.The following results have been obtained: 1) development and optimization of flexible substrates of stainless steel (thickness of the substrate that best suits the technology, roughness, development of a chemical barrier, configuration of the electrical contact back) 2) optimization of the properties of the ink and the its printing process. With this experimental procedure three inks based on nanometric metallic oxides have been elaborated in order to diminish the carbon content. 3) development of INKJET inks. 4) development of thermal processes specially designed for this technology, taking into account the peculiarities of the substrate and the precursor, and avoiding the use of high toxicity or explosive elements or compounds to minimize risks and ensure processes with low environmental impact. 5) design and implementation of solar cells on flexible substrates
Summary of bilateral results