UCF and Partners Target Breakthrough in Solar Cell Efficiency
by Clarence Oxford
Orlando FL (SPX) Mar 19, 2024
The University of Central Florida, in collaboration with the University of Delaware’s Institute of Energy Conversion, has embarked on a cutting-edge project funded by a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Technologies Office. The initiative aims to revolutionize the metallization process of silicon solar cells, potentially enhancing their efficiency and reducing production costs, thus making solar energy more attainable for the general public.
This groundbreaking metallization technique focuses on the development of metal contacts on silicon solar cells, crucial for extracting electrical currents. Traditionally, silver has been the metal of choice for these contacts due to its excellent high-temperature resistance and non-oxidizing nature. However, silver’s high cost presents a significant financial hurdle.
Kristopher Davis, the lead researcher and associate professor of materials science and engineering at UCF, highlights the economic and resource challenges of using silver. “Silver represents a major expense in photovoltaic cell production, projected to account for 20% of the global annual silver supply by 2027,” Davis explained. The team proposes copper as a viable, less costly alternative, despite its susceptibility to oxidation and its impact on conductivity.
To address this issue, the research team plans to employ laser technology to heat copper nanoparticles, effectively minimizing oxidation risks. Davis is optimistic about the approach, stating, “This method could significantly enhance the efficiency of heterojunction solar cells while slashing manufacturing costs, potentially fast-tracking solar energy adoption by reducing cost barriers for consumers.”
The UCF research team, including Aravinda Kar from CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics, and Ranganathan Kumar from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, will work alongside Ujjwal Das and the team at the Institute of Energy Conversion.
This project is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, being one of 19 selected initiatives funded to drive down costs and increase the efficiency of solar panel recycling processes under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
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