Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The objective of the proposed project is to develop a new technology for manufacturing crystalline silicon (Si)-based solar cells with high flexibility and high conversion efficiency. The proposed project is a joint effort between Dr. Adachi's team at Simon Fraser University (SFU), Dr. O'Leary's team at The University of British Columbia (UBC), and industrial partner, Solar Earth Technologies Ltd. Potential applications include the incorporation of flexible solar cells into Solar Earth Technologies's next solar roadway product, portable power supplies for next generation mobile electronic devices, and solar charging vehicles. Solar cells will be fabricated with a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) cluster tool at Simon Fraser University using thin low-cost solar grade monocrystalline Si wafers. The technical challenges that must be overcomeinclude the development of a high-throughput substrate thinning technique, the implementation of an effective light trapping management strategy that aims to maximize light absorption with ~10 times less material, and the demonstration of high-flexibility and high-efficiency photovoltaic prototype devices. With the proposed project, Solar Earth Technologies Ltd. will acquire new technology to integrate into their next generation solar roadway product. In addition, a team of 9 students and researchers will gain hands-on industry-relevant skills relating to semiconductor device fabrication and optical and electrical characterization, while simultaneously receiving guidance and training from representatives of the industrial partner. Thedevelopment of the new solar cell technology may lead to new environmentally-friendly commercial products and new jobs in the renewable energy and high-tech sectors for Canadians. The goal of developing clean technologies and linking research performed in a laboratory with commercialization and consumer adaptation cycles, a priority for the Canadian government, will have been achieved through the successful completion of this project.