Emerging Photovoltaic Technologies

"Solar photovoltaics (PV) is the fastest-growing energy technology in the world today and an important tool for mitigating climate change. Crystalline silicon PV modules are now affordable, efficient, reliable, and dominant in the global market. So why do researchers and entrepreneurs continue to pursue new PV technologies? This book explores how market forces expose opportunities for new solar technologies. The authors explain how two emerging thin-film PV technologies--metal halide perovskites and colloidal quantum dots--can benefit from rapid scalability, reduced manufacturing and installation costs, and new modes of deployment. This book is targeted at students, early-career researchers, and industry newcomers seeking to maximize their impact in the field of emerging thin-film solar photovoltaics." -- Prové de l'editor.

The need to address the energy problem and formulate a lasting solution to tame climate change has never been so urgent. The rise of various renewable energy sources, such as solar cell technologies, has given humanity a glimpse of hope that can delay the catastrophic effects of these problems after decades of neglect. This review volume provides in-depth discussion of the fundamental photophysical processes as well as the state-of-the-art device engineering of various emerging photovoltaic technologies, including organic (fullerene, non-fullerene, and ternary), dye-sensitized (ruthenium, iron, and quantum dot), and hybrid metal-halide perovskite solar cells. The book is essential reading for graduate and postgraduate students involved in the photophysics and materials science of solar cell technologies.

An efficient waste management for emerging photovoltaic (PV) technologies is not mature yet. The problematic aspects along with the possible failure's identification have a pivotal role in modelling the future end-of-life management strategies. The identification of substances of concern (e.g. high cost, low availability, and high toxicity) and valuable materials is a key point to better define the research priorities to improve the eco-design of these technologies. The ultimate goal is to promote the disposal processes which enhance the repair, refurbishment, and recover opportunities and so the profitability of recycling. These studies can also prompt the investigation of innovative materials which are more cost-effective and/or coming from renewable resources or secondary raw materials. Forecasting the waste management technologies for the emerging photovoltaics is highly challenging. In this context, our purpose is to provide an overview of the critical elements and understand the appropriate corrective improvements towards more sustainable technologies.

This book discusses the manufacturing processes of photovoltaic solar cells, from conventional silicon cells, to thin-film technologies and ending with the cutting-edge technologies of third-generation photovoltaics. The rapid advances in photovoltaic technologies are propelled by the discovery of new materials through innovative routes of synthesis and deposition. For example, the exponential enhancement in efficiencies of perovskite solar cells between years 2015 and 2020 is a direct result of the availability of new materials to capitalize on innovative manufacturing techniques. Currently, efficiencies of up to 25.5% are achieved by perovskite solar cells technologies. This book is intended for scientists and engineers who are keen on having a solid understanding of conventional manufacturing processes of bulk silicon for photovoltaic purposes, as well as advanced processes used to synthesize materials for emerging photovoltaic technologies such as thin-film and third-generation PV. The book is designed to be self-contained to allow the reader to develop knowledge and experience in materials selection as well as a good understanding of pertinent manufacturing process to arrive at best device performance. The technologies presented are also analyzed for its energy and environmental impacts. .

This new book, the fourth volume in the Innovations and Challenges in Micro Irrigation book series, examines the potential of solar energy and other emerging energy technologies in micro irrigation to create sustainable energy sources. The authors discuss a variety of innovative micro irrigation system designs, with a special focus on solar energy and photovoltaic (PV) energy.

Increasing demands on energy has necessitated the development of large-scale, low-cost, renewable energy. Solar energy is highly attractive and extremely promising as the energy reaching the earth from the sun is orders of magnitude larger than today's global energy consumption and is quiet, requires low maintenance, has no restrictions on size, can be located close to the point on consumption, and is a clean, direct and efficient mode of energy conversion. The challenge lies in making solar power economically competitive while working with the materials readily available in abundance along with all their inherent constraints, also using those materials as economically as possible. Novel materials and structures are constantly being investigated for possible application in the area of photovoltaics (PVs). This book begins by discussing nanostructure-based PVs. It then continues to provide information on several topics that include the environmental impacts from end-of-life disposal of PVs; photocured polymer electrolyte membranes for dye-sensitised solar cells; economic analysis of support policies in PV systems; indoor PVs; effect of urban density on PV performance; and PV effects in nanoscale ferroelectrics.

Nanomaterials are becoming increasingly important photovoltaic technologies from absorbers to contacts. This book is dedicated to describing the novel materials and technologies for photovoltaics that derive from these new and novel approaches in solar technologies. We have collected a set of renowned experts in their respective fields as authors and their expertise covers a broad set of areas including novel oxides, quantum dots, CZTS and organic solar cells, as well as light management and reliability testing. The organization of the book is divided into three sections; the first part deals with emerging photovoltaic absorbers and absorber approaches, the second part is focused on novel solar cell architectures and device concepts and components; and the last part is focused on their integration into module technologies. The first chapter is an introduction to the basics of solar cells technology facilitating an understanding by the non-expert of the following chapters. The book is intended for academics and professionals, at the research and R&D level in materials and devices, who are looking for opportunities for applications in the solar materials, devices and modules areas. Hopefully it will serve as a reference for students and professionals looking into the potential and development of novel photovoltaic technologies, researchers looking into the development of innovative projects, and teachers in the field of energy and sustainability. Showcases a range of cutting-edge photovoltaic materials and devices, exploring their special properties and how they are best used Assesses the challenges of fabricating solar cell devices using nanotechnology Explores how producing cheaper modules, increasing reliability and increasing efficiency have led to new applications for photovoltaic devices

Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy is expected to be the world's largest source of electricity in the future. To enhance the long-term reliability of PV modules, a thorough understanding of failure mechanisms is of vital importance. In addition, it is important to address the potential downsides to this technology. These include the hazardous chemicals needed for manufacturing solar cells, especially for thin-film technologies, and the large number of PV modules disposed of at the end of their lifecycles. This book discusses the reliability and environmental aspects of PV modules.