How to make solar cells more affordable
10,000 times more solar energy falls on the Earth's surface than we require. Unfortunately, solar energy still costs around 10 times more than conventionally sourced energy (known in the Netherlands as "grey" energy). The solution: cheaper solar cells with adequate levels of efficiency.
How is TU Delft contributing?
Thin-film solar cells
| Thin-film solar cells (also known as solar cell laminates) are many times cheaper than crystalline silicon solar cells, since far less silicon is used. An ultra-thin layer of amorphous or crystalline silicon measuring 1-2 microns (between 100 and 500 times thinner than conventional solar cells) is deposited on a plastic substrate. This technique allows the cells to be produced on a much larger scale and at lower cost. Efficiency is 6% to 9%, and could rise to 15% in the future. The biggest challenge in developing these solar cells is to improve their efficiency (Illustration: Thin-film solar cell, Eric Verdult, Kennis in Beeld) |
Helianthos: Joint programme with Nuon, TU Eindhoven, Utrecht University and TNO-TPD (the TNO Institute of Applied Physics) for the development of thin-film solar cell production technology. Read more about Nuon Helianthos.
Listen to a podcast in which Professor Miro Zeman explains how he makes his own thin film solar cells in his laboratory.
Organic solar cells
| Organic solar cells are made not from crystalline silicon but from other, less expensive materials − for example, a combination of an organic material that absorbs the light (e.g. a polymer or dye) and an electron-accepting material such as titanium dioxide. The efficiency of this type of solar cell can be improved by rearranging the molecules or by absorbing more infrared light (Illustration: Organic solar cell with layers of dye and titanium dioxide with "excited"electrons. Illustration Eric Verdult, Kennis in Beeld) |
Listen to a podcast in which researcher Ferdinand Grozema talks about the 1,2 million Euro ERC grant he received for his research into organic solar cells.
Quantum Dot solar cells
This type of solar cell contains very small spherical particles known as "quantum dots" in which electrons are released under the influence of sunlight. Once released in this way, the electrons continue to hurtle around for longer and can excite other electrons, thereby triggering an avalanche effect. In theory, the efficiency of the solar cell can be increased to 44%. View a model of the avalanche effect or read the press release.
Plus:
- Thin-film solar cell production technology
- Hybrid organic/inorganic solar cells
- 3D nanostructured solar cell
- Recycling of silicon
- Solar boilers
- Prevention of cracking during production of silicon solar cells
Links and contact
Ask an expert:
| Prof. Miro Zeman |
| Prof. Laurens Siebbeles |
Contact the Delft Energy Initiative for further information about the solar energy research
