WG4

WG4 focusses on production, optimisation and analysis of lab scale devices. This group will aim to both improve performance and understand loss mechanisms for a “typical” cell implementation route i.e. rigid stand-alone structures for use under AM1.5 solar illumination. Assessment will be made of most promising materials and those which have potential for upscaling to industrial production. Provisional approaches to module encapsulation and demonstrator mini modules will be developed. Discussion and regular communication with industrial collaborators will enable routes with direct industrial relevance to be prioritised. Separate fabrication approaches will be developed for “non-standard” device implementation routes such as BIPV, semi-transparent PV, indoor PV, flexible/lightweight cells, top/bottom cell structures for tandem devices and solar driven water splitting for hydrogen production. These alternative device applications are able to utilise the same materials but require different considerations to standard module applications. Material selection will be tailored to the application which will entail associated changes in fabrication and optimisation procedures (linked to WG3). Collaborative discussion with relative industry will enable key challenges and targets to be identified for each particular application. Information on all developed device structures will be provided to WG6 to enable preparation of cost and lifecycle analysis.