TESTIMONIALS

Message from the topic chair, Prof. Dr. Stefan W. Glunz:

Some think that silicon photovoltaics is the dinosaur of PV. Well, it is not extinct yet. 😊
On the contrary, still alive and kicking and ready to join forces with the new stuff in tandems.
So please attend to the presentations of Topic 1 and learn more about silicon material, solar cell structures (including heterojunctions, TOPCon and IBC) and state-of-the-art industrial c-Si manufacturing, the backbone of photovoltaic industry.
Explore advanced characterization methods which allow you to understand defects and degradation mechanisms.
And last but not least you will see that silicon solar cells are also the base for the next generation of photovoltaics, i.e. silicon-based tandem cells (together with Topic 2).
Looking forward to meeting you in Lisbon, enjoying exciting science and technology!

Prof. Dr. Stefan W. Glunz
Fraunhofer ISE, Freiburg, Germany

Message from the topic chair, Dr. Eszter (Esther) Voroshazi:

"The topic of Photovoltaic Modules and BOS Components will cover research on module design, material qualification, interconnection technologies, advanced characterization, accelerated and outdoor reliability testing in various climates and conditions as well as shade tolerant module/electronics design.

This year advanced characterization of new generation of encapsulant materials (POE, EPE), polymeric back and front sheets will be one of the hot topics with in-depth understanding linking material properties, process conditions to device performance and reliability. Building on these insights several approaches to lightweight but “strong as hell” modules (expression from one of our authors) will be presented. Advanced interconnection technologies aimed reduced Ag consumption and increasing power will be discussed as well novel electrical characterization methods and modelling of contact resistivity. Reliability studies of novel cell technologies HJT, TOPCON tandem cell in modules will be the subject of numerous contributions providing insights for improvement routes. The focus remains on the toughest accelerated tests such as damp heat, potential and light induced stress conditions, and their correlation to field-testing results. A large-scale study will present the latest recommendations on energy yield rating following the recent IEC standard, and several authors will discuss accurate operating temperature measurements in outdoor conditions.

Furthermore, outdoor testing focusing on harsh climates: desert, floating remains a hot topic recognizing the challenges of this environment. Field-testing methods such daylight electroluminescence testing, in-laminate sensing methods and many others innovative techniques are key to improve our understanding of failure mechanisms and we invite you to join the talks, poster.

Finally, yet importantly, in the TerraWatt area of PV innovations integrating eco-design considerations next to performance, extended durability is clearly an emerging focus of several studies and will be also the subject of the plenary talk."

Dr. Eszter (Esther) Voroshazi
CEA, Le Bourget-du-Lac, France

Message from the topic chair, David Moser:

"The Topic of PV Systems Engineering, Integrated/Applied PV is becoming year after year more and more attractive for the PV sector and this aspect is also visible by the number of high-quality contributions. There is a clear industry demand to improve the accuracy in PV plant design by addressing advancements in modelling, disruptive concepts in engineering and everything related to preventive mitigation measures which can significantly reduce the number of failures in the field and improve the business model and bankability of PV systems of any size. At the same time, it is important to develop more cost-effective diagnostic techniques and to increase the space and time granularity of data coming from monitoring systems and to leverage on the integration of information thanks to digital tools.
One of the greatest features of PV is scalability and modularity which goes hand in hand with dual purpose deployment and integration. Attendees will have access to the most recent developments in sectors which are gaining headlines in the general mass media such as floating PV, agri-PV, etc.
Join us to learn from the best scientists and experts in the field on how to generate TWh of solar electricity reliably for an extended period of time, anywhere."

David Moser
Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy

Message from the topic chair, Ms. Nives Della-Valle:

"The topic PV in the Energy Transition encompasses subtopics such as energy system integration, resilience and security of supply, solar fuels, storage, sustainability of PV, scenarios for renewables, policy, global challenges, costs, economics, finance, markets, and societal challenges. Interested attendees can thus expect a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted aspects of photovoltaics in the broader energy landscape.

The program for this topic will delve into the integration of PV into energy systems, emphasizing the importance of resilience and security of supply. Discussions will also revolve around the development of solar fuels and storage technologies, aiming to maximize the potential of PV in meeting energy demands. The sustainability of PV will be a key focus, including topics such as circularity, recyclability, and life cycle assessment of PV modules.

Furthermore, attendees can look forward to exploring various scenarios for renewables, policy implications, and global challenges, shedding light on the future trajectory of PV in the energy transition. Additionally, discussions on costs, economics, finance, and markets will provide insights into the financial aspects and market dynamics surrounding PV deployment. Lastly, the conference will address societal challenges, emphasizing the role of citizen engagement and energy communities in driving the adoption of PV and the democratisation of the energy system.

By attending these sessions, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and impacts associated with PV in the energy transition, paving the way for a sustainable, just and resilient future energy landscape."

Ms. Nives Della-Valle
European Commission JRC, Ispra, Italy

by Dr. Ivona Kafedjiska and Prof. Dr. Rutger Schlatmann
European Technology and Innovation Platform for Photovoltaics (ETIP PV) / Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin for Materials and Energy

"With an impressive 45% annual growth rate in 2022 compared to 2021, the PV community around the world is working hard to meet the ambitious targets of 2 TW cumulative capacity by 2025 and 3.5 TW by 2027. Europe, specifically, can play a major role in the transition to clean and renewable energy as it aims to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. As an essential first step in this strategy, the EU aims to reach a 30GWp/year domestic production of solar PV by 2025.

So far, solar PV – with its unprecedented growth, continuously decreasing cost, and increasing social acceptance - has already proven to be economically and environmentally competitive. However, due to this spectacular growth path, it may not be universally recognized that the potential for further innovation of PV is still enormous. Thus, in order to quickly become one of the few decisive contributors to the clean-energy system, solar PV must successfully address further challenges related to device innovation, manufacturing, integration, and circularity.

The Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA), published in 2022 by the European Technology and Innovation Platform for Photovoltaics (ETIP PV) in collaboration with the European Energy Research Alliance for PV (EERA-PV) presents five challenges for further innovation and outlines comprehensive strategies and clear targets for each of them.

Challenge 1: Performance Enhancement and Cost Reduction through Advanced PV Technologies and Manufacturing

For the first challenge, the SRIA elaborates that the levelized cost of electricity (LCoE) can be lowered even further via three possible objectives: higher efficiency of the PV modules, appropriate system design, and digitalization of PV. The first objective in particular requires a strong focus on research and innovation – especially in Europe – where R&I remains the backbone of the European efforts to create a competitive PV supply chain. In addition to establishing a strong industrial base of today’s best available technologies, doing R&I at scale must be implemented hand-in-hand with more basic as well as industry-oriented programs, to prevent the risk of investing only in technologies that will one day be obsolete, especially now that innovation cycles have significantly accelerated in the past decade.

Challenge 2: Lifetime, Reliability, and Sustainability Enhancements

Although PV already has a comparatively small environmental impact per unit of electrical energy generated, the huge role that PV needs to play in the energy transition implies that enormous amounts of energy and materials must be consumed for its manufacturing. Therefore, through five different roadmaps (Reduce, Repair, Recycle, Sustainable Manufacturing, and Eco-Labeling), the second challenge in the SRIA discusses how to lower, among other factors, the carbon footprint of PV manufacturing and reach a nearly 100% recyclable and circular PV technology.

Challenge 3: New Applications through the integration of Photovoltaics

The third challenge is dedicated to PV integrated in buildings, vehicles, agriculture, (manmade) water surfaces and the built environment (infrastructures), especially since many of the integrated PV solutions are so far only based in Europe, creating a valuable export opportunity for the European energy sector.

Challenge 4: The Smart Energy System Integration of Photovoltaics for Large-Scale Deployment and High Penetration

The main objective of the fourth challenge is to elaborate how through various R&I roadmaps – such as more intelligent distribution, dependable and openly available forecasting tools, improved efficiencies by integrating PV systems in DC networks, and hybrid systems – the reliability of the PV systems can be improved.

Challenge 5: Socio-Economic Aspects of the Transition to High PV Contribution

The fifth challenge discusses how via co-working with regulatory and administrative stakeholders for innovative regulatory and administrative approaches, exploration of the role of PV for promoting behavioral changes, or educating and engaging with citizens on all levels, one can better understand the main drivers behind the public opinion about PV. Thus, one can raise awareness about the economic and sustainability benefits of PV and finally, create a paradigm shift in public support, and move from declarative to on-spot actual support.

ETIP PV is continuously updating and expanding the SRIA, e.g. by its newly published “White paper on PV Manufacturing in Europe”. ETIP PV working groups will present their recent findings at the upcoming EU-PVSEC conference in Lisbon and organize interactive parallel sessions on e.g. digital grid PV, LCoE, as well as reliability and circularity."

Dr. Ivona Kafedjiska and Prof. Dr. Rutger Schlatmann
European Technology and Innovation Platform for Photovoltaics (ETIP PV) / Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin for Materials and Energy