Latest news on the Photovoltaic Science and Technology Innovation Board

What is solar energy and photovoltaic technology?

Solar energy and photovoltaic technology is the study of using light from the sun as a source of energy, and the design and fabrication of devices for harnessing this potential. This involves collecting solar radiation for converting to both electricity and heat. Solar energy is carbon-free and renewable.

When will solar panels be made from Oxford PV cells?

Case says that end users should get their hands on solar panels made from Oxford PV’s cells around the middle of next year, for example. In May, a large silicon PV manufacturer, Hanwha Qcells, headquartered in Seoul, said it plans to invest US$100 million in a pilot production line that could be operational by the end of 2024.

Could a new solar industry lead to a more sustainable future?

But Oxford experts say this kind of research could ultimately lead to a new industry, which manufactures materials to generate cheap, sustainable solar energy using existing buildings, vehicles and objects. Other innovations have explored integrating solar generation into our urban environments, including solar windows.

How has PV technology changed the world?

This deployment has been accelerated by improvements in the design and performance of PV devices, as well as significant cost declines, achieved through innovative research in module, cell, and manufacturing of PV.

What is the future of PV?

"And on the systems side, the future of PV is going to depend, in large part, on how it is coupled with other energy sectors in the clean energy economy, including transportation, storage, industrial processes, and electrification of building heating and cooling."

Why is PV device innovation important?

PV device innovation is critical for the ongoing progress of solar, which must expand dramatically over the coming decades to achieve a sustainable energy system. Photo by Werner Slocum, NREL