Background
The Advanced Photovoltaic Research Accelerator was launched in 2007. We received 15 Expressions of Interest from consortia including over 60 different organisations. The proposed programmes of research were worth over £70m. After a thorough evaluation, proposals from 5 consortia were shortlisted.
We worked with these consortia to develop full proposals, detailed work programmes and market & technical assessments.
The shortlisted proposals covered 3 distinct technology areas, each with the potential to deliver breakthrough reductions in the cost of solar energy:
- Roll-to-roll processing of organic polymer-based photovoltaics (PV)
- Deposition of inorganic thin-films on flexible substrates
- Photovoltaic coatings for rolled steel cladding and roof products
Current progress
In August 2008 Carbon Trust kicked off a partnership with Cambridge University and The Technology Partnership (TTP) that leverages world leading plastic electronic expertise to develop commercially competitive organic solar cells. Our investment aims to accelerate the deployment of large-scale, cost-effective photovoltaics by focusing on the in-line, roll-to-roll manufacturing processes required to fabricate organic solar cells.
We aim for these plastic solar cells to be delivering 1GW of power (equivalent to carbon dioxide savings of more than 1 million tonnes per year) within ten years. A core aim is to develop organic PV modules with these 3 characteristics in the near to medium term:
- 8% efficiency
- Lifetime of at least 5 years
- Manufactured on a roll-to-roll web up to one metre wide
We are delighted to say that the project is currently on track to deliver on its technical objectives in roll-to-roll processing.
To find out more – contact: directed.research@carbontrust.co.uk or peter.brown@ttp.com