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Programme funded by the ARIS

Research programme is funded by the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency.

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Description

R&D in the field of photovoltaics (PV) as one of the most promising long-term renewable energy source solutions has immense importance for sustainable evolution in energy sector in Europe and Slovenia.

The proposal "Photovoltaics and Electronics" represent continuation and evolution of the previous research programme (P2-0197, 2015-2021) in the fields of sustainable energy / photovoltaics (PV) and electronics, covering scientific and engineering aspects across the value-added chain from materials to energy or sensor systems. Emphasis of the program will remain on PV conversion of solar into electrical energy and its successful exploitation and efficient use. The main topic will be the research of high-efficiency low-cost solar cells, PV modules, and PV systems, with a focus on improvements of PV conversion efficiency, energy yield and life-time. We will include the studies of semiconductor materials, models implemented in computer tools for numerical simulations of devices under various operating conditions and optimization of optoelectronics devices and sensors.

Theoretical work including design and modelling, characterization activities on material, device and system level, and experimental work based on available technologies will be applied to 4 research clusters:

• I) High efficiency PV cells
• II) PV modules and systems
• III) Optoelectronic devices
• IV) Sensor systems

Besides PV (I+II) predominantly based on perovskite and silicon technology, the program will include selected activities devoted to other optoelectronic devices (III) and sensor systems (IV). Within optoelectronic devices (III) we will extend the perovskite technology to perovskite LEDs, design new models and improved solutions for light out-coupling applied to perovskite as well as organic LEDs. We will develop new solutions of THz detectors and enter the field and carry out research in integrated photonics. Within sensor systems (IV) we will carry out research in three hot topics. The first one is addressing a wide range of novel THz sensors systems including the technology development for improved antenna coupled micro- or nano-bolometer for extended THz range, aiming at continuous time THz detector in the range above 100 um wavelength, operating at room temperature. The second topic is devoted to ''artificial nose'' to be used for environmental or personal health monitoring. In the third topic advanced micro-sensor systems are proposed, among them: novel e-sensors for personal vital parameters monitoring, integrated magnetic sensor arrays for advanced position and direction of movements based on novel Hall elements, AMR and TMR sensors to go beyond the state-of-the-art accuracy. Next to theoretical and basic research goals, concrete prototyping of solar cells and PV mini-modules as well as optoelectronic devices and sensor systems are planned.

Excellence in theoretical achievements is aimed at, as well as solutions for increased competitiveness of innovative prototypes on the market.

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Facts and Figures

Code	P2-0415
Title	Photovoltaics and Electronics
Period	1 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2027
Budget	2,51 FTE
Principle investigator	Prof. Dr. Marko Topič
Field	Engineering
Program members	Link to Sicris

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Previous Programme P2-0197

Reasearch and development in the field of photovoltaics as one of the most promising long-term Renewable Energy Source solutions for electricity supply has immense importance for sustainable evolution in energy sector in Europe and Slovenia. Photovoltaics rapidly grows into an economy sector that grows on average around 40% per year. It increases quality and reliability of electricity supply, since it covers the peak demand and locally creates jobs.

The very begining of Slovenian photovoltaic industry has been initiated and supported by our research group as the largest and internationally recognized PV R&D group in Slovenia. In the last five years the company BISOL d.o.o. started production of wafer-based crystalline silicon PV modules, ETI Elektroelement d.d. with development of DC fuses, many small private companies are focusing on engineering of PV systems. They all plan new PV products, which will be strongly export oriented.

Besides fundamental research, which generated numerous scientific publications in the top PV specialized international journals, we are more and more involved in applied research and development of new technologies and products in the field of photovoltaics and electronics.

The research program "Photovoltaics and Electronics" exhibits scientific potential and output adequate and comparable to other European world-renowned photovoltaic research groups. This has been reflecting in the international collaboration of group in European and bilateral projects. The emphasis is on solar conversion efficiency, technological solutions and structure optimization of solar cells and other optoelectronic devices. The members of the research program continue to present their latest achievements at specialized international conferences. With peer-reviewed scientific articles in international journals and books the members contribute to global knowledge in the field of photovoltaics and electronics.

Emphasis of the program is on photovoltaic devices with improved multilayer structure and interface design along with increase conversion efficiency, in search for new technological solutions, decreasing costs of production. We continuously develop advanced numerical models and simulation tools for analysis of optical and optoelectronic properties of multi-layer structures. Increased cooperation with companies in Slovenia and abroad is evident. Our contribution to the development of science is reflected also in an increasing number of invited speeches at specialized international conferences and invited lectures at other universities and institutes around the Globe.

Energy situation will certainly strongly affect the future of economic development in Slovenia. Resorces of conventional energy sources become scarce, their harmful use accelerates climate change and environmental pollution. Energy sustainability of individial countries on macroeconomical level and of individual residential areas or houses on microeconomical level will importantly affect the socioeconomic system. The question of reliable, efficient and upmost sustainable and environmentally friendly energy supply will tailor the development and competitiveness also in Slovenia.

Research program "Photovoltaics and Electronics" is important for Slovenia from the following strategic and sustainable points:

• introduction of ecologically natural energy sources,
• contribution to new solutions in semiconductor structures in photovoltaics,
• development of photovoltaic modules and other products,
• affirmation of Slovenian research community in international arena,
• cooperation of research group with foreign research and development groups around the Globe,
• cooperation with other research groups and exchange of experiences, equipment and personnel in interdisciplinary fields,
• educating and training of highly skilled researchers in the field of applied sciences and technologies,
• transfer of know-how in the new economic sector and training of skilled personnel in the sustainable energy sector,
• deployment of ecology oriented strategy of Slovenia with the introduction of renewable energy sources for abatement of CO2 and other GHG emissions.

Continuous operation of our research program has decisive impact on development of photovoltaics as the profession and engineering practice in Slovenia.

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Facts and Figures P2-0197

Code	P2-0197
Title	Photovoltaics and Electronics
Period	1 Jan 1999 - 31 Dec 2003 1 Jan 2003 - 31 Dec 2008 1 Jan 2009 - 31 Dec 2014 1 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2021
Budget	2,51 FTE
Principle investigator	Prof. Dr. Marko Topič
Field	Engineering
Program members	Link to Sicris