ZHAW researcher drives forward work on more efficient solar cells

(CONNECT) Researcher Wolfgang Tress is working on a new component for more efficient and cheaper solar cells at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences(ZHAW). According to a press release, he is researching materials based on perovskite for this purpose. Tress has now received a Proof of Concept Grant from the European Research Council(ERC) for his research.

In combination with conventional cells, perovskite solar cells increase the efficiency of a system. They also require less material and energy to manufacture. However, Perowski is not yet very durable, according to the ZHAW. A shaded cell "blocks the current flow and reverse voltage passes through the unshaded cells", it says. This could permanently damage the perovskite solar cells and impair their longevity and stability.

Tress is working on integrating a component directly into the solar cells that takes over the flow of electricity. In this way, the solar cell in the shade remains protected and the electrical energy from the modules can still be used. Tress plans to develop a prototype for industrial production that can be "integrated into existing production lines for solar modules". The ERC Proof of Concept Grant funds are intended for this demonstrator. ce/heg