Objectives
1. creating prospects for new generations of PV cells with substantially improved characteristics, by exploring new conversion principles, device concepts, and processing methods;
2. achieving synergy and acceleration by involving new groups and disciplines in PV related research.
Background, relevance and implementation
Energy is of vital importance to mankind. It is consumed in huge and still growing quantities, mainly from finite fossil sources and with increasing environmental damage. The development of renewable energy technologies and the transition to a sustainable energy system are therefore major challenges. Photovoltaic conversion of solar energy is generally considered one of the key candidates for future large-scale use.
Reliable PV systems are already commercially available and in use, but large-scale application is severely hindered by current prices. To improve the economy of PV systems it is crucial to develop low-cost manufacturing technologies and to increase production volumes, but also to enhance the performance of PV modules. Today's commercial modules have an efficiency of 5 15%, while laboratory cells achieve 35%. These numbers are in sharp contrast with the theoretical maximum for photovoltaic conversion, which is roughly 85%.
The programme aims to create breakthroughs in photovoltaic conversion, by enabling full use of the solar spectrum and of the generated charge carriers in super-high efficiency devices, or by developing materials, processing methods and device structures which are very promising for future low-cost manufacturing. Researchers are challenged to cross current boundaries, via high-risk, high potential ideas, since the programme should be complementary to existing ones.
Remarks
In October 2004 the programme committee received 24 pre-proposals with a total requested budget of M 11. According to the programme committee eight pre-proposals did not fit in the programme, so 16 applicants were invited to write a full proposal. In March 2005 an international panel will review the proposals and interview the applicants. The steering committee decides mid 2005 which proposals will be granted. |
