Recording of Thursday, June 20, 2024 | The smarter E Europe 2024 | Exhibition Program | Language: English | Duration: 16:20 .
Dr. Ralph Preu from Fraunhofer ISE presents on "Innovative Technologies for Terawatt-Scale PVC Manufacture," focusing on the advancements and trends in photovoltaic (PV) technology. He highlights the significant growth expected in PV capacity, aiming to reach 60 terawatts by 2050, with a two-terawatt milestone anticipated by year-end. Over seven decades of crystalline silicon solar cell development have resulted in improved lab efficiencies and shorter timescales for transferring technologies from lab to industrial pilot lines. Preu notes that while advancements like PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Contact) cells have dominated recent years, emerging technologies such as Topcon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact), heterojunctions, and silicon-based tandem cells are gaining market share. New records in perovskite-silicon tandem cells demonstrate ongoing efficiency improvements. The presentation also touches on challenges related to scaling production to terawatt levels, emphasizing the need for high-yield manufacturing processes matching R&D efficiencies. Significant strides have been made through screen printing innovations reducing contact finger widths dramatically over past years, contributing to reduced silver costs and enhanced module performance.
Automated summarization by AI Conver
European research institutes are leaders in solar cell research, as evidenced by impressive results in TOPCon, SHJ, and IBC cells. Promising laboratory results paint a bright future for the technological development, with the next frontier involving the integration of clean room technologies into production lines. Additionally, innovative approaches by forward-thinking companies aim to conserve resources, such as silicon, silver, and process consumables, through consumption reduction or the use of alternative materials and processes. This session brings together pioneering approaches, alongside steady and robust R&D development on the journey from lab to fab. Solar device development is high-tech.
Further Talks of this session: