Title: Do 2D Semiconductors Make Sense for Photovoltaics?
Abstract: Over the past 15 years, atomically-thin semiconducting materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides have dominated academic research in solid-state devices and materials physics. It has now been well established that layered van der Waals semiconducting materials often referred to as two-dimensional (2D) materials are some of the strongest known absorbers in the visible- to near-IR range making them very appealing as photovoltaic absorbers. However, their quantum-confined character resulting in strong exciton binding energies pose a challenge. In addition, scalable synthesis of these semiconductors also remains a major issue for their applicability.
In this talk, I will cover a brief history and then highlight major advances and present challenges that need to be overcome to advance this field. In the process I will also discuss our own works over the years in using nanophotonic techniques to attain broadband high absorption in sub-20 nm thick stacks of 2D semiconductors and their junctions. I will also comment on their device performance and shortcomings. I will then show some recent theoretical and experimental work on near-perfect absorption strategies in monolayer 2D semiconductor-based structures and their photovoltaic performance. I will conclude by highlighting major challenges for 2D materials for practical PV applications.
Title: Space Applications Driving Innovation in Photovoltaics
Abstract: Space applications were a key driving force in the early development of photovoltaics, with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory launching the first solar powered satellite, Vanguard I, in 1958; only a few years after the first practical solar cell demonstration at Bell Labs. In recent years, the space sector has undergone rapid growth with commercialization driving down launch costs and enabling new capabilities. Space services offer communication, navigation and imaging data, which is highly enabling across a wide range of sectors including transport and energy networks, emergency services supporting disaster relief, and meteorology for agriculture and understanding our changing climate. Emerging space applications such as space based solar power and lunar bases place new demands on photovoltaic arrays. They must be lighter weight, lower cost and able to survive longer in more hostile environments.
Once again space applications are driving innovation in photovoltaics. Researchers from all PVSC areas are invited to join this call to action.
Title: Towards 27% efficient silicon solar cells in mass production
Abstract: Industrial silicon solar cells continue to improve in efficiency, with multiple reports of full-size cells above 26% in recent years, using both silicon heterojunction (SHJ) and doped poly-silicon (TOPCon) technologies. In this work, we will firstly review some of the key advances that have made this rapid progress possible, including improvements in silicon wafers, surface passivation, and low-recombination metallization. We then discuss in detail the relative advantages and disadvantages of SHJ and TOPCon technologies, both in terms of performance and cost. Building on this understanding, we finally consider likely future directions, including alternative architectures such as back contact cells, to enable over 27% efficient cells in mass production at low cost in the medium term.
Title: Accelerating information gain during perovskite materials optimization, device fabrication, and stress testing: learnings from the ADDEPT Center
Abstract: Within ADDEPT, we focus on accelerating characterization to provide rapid feedback for materials development, with the goal of advancing the durability and reproducibility of perovskite modules. This talk will highlight ADDEPT-funded innovations in customized synthesis and characterization equipment to accelerate R&D cycles through automation, machine learning, and process control. Additionally, I’ll emphasize scaling up characterization capabilities by reducing costs, with a particular focus on accelerating stress testing to enable more efficient and scalable stability & durability measurements.
Title: Perovskite Solar Modules: How Low Can You Go in Cost and Complexity for Global Manufacturing
Abstract: This talk will explore practical approaches to manufacturing perovskite solar modules using widely available machinery, rather than relying on highly specialized or capital-intensive equipment. Techniques like screen printing or slot-die coating can significantly lower costs, making perovskite solar technology more accessible—particularly in regions where high-end manufacturing infrastructure is not available. Cost reduction isn’t just about processing methods; material choices also play a major role. Avoiding expensive materials like Spiro-OMeTAD and gold in favor of lower-cost, scalable alternatives can make a real difference. The key challenge is finding out how much we can simplify manufacturing while still delivering efficient and durable solar modules. If we can drive down factory costs without overly compromising performance, perovskite solar technology could open the door to more decentralized and affordable solar production. Rather than relying on a few large, centralized gigafactories, this approach could enable a shift toward local manufacturing, allowing more regions to participate in solar production. By stripping back cost and complexity, perovskite solar modules could become a truly global technology—scalable, adaptable, and accessible in a way that traditional solar panels have struggled to be.
Title: From Modules to Atoms – Multi-Scale Characterization to Inform PV Reliability
Abstract: Photovoltaics (PV) manufacturers are innovating new products with evolving cell types and advanced module packaging materials, with a goal to increase power density and module durability while still meeting the tight constraints of downward pressure on the price of solar energy. It is estimated that improvements in module durability that decrease module degradation rates (e.g. from 0.75%/y to 0.50%/y) could save billions of US dollars and help retain gigawatts of installed PV module capacity that would otherwise have to be replaced on a yearly basis and contribute to waste in landfills. It is with this understanding that research efforts are targeting up to 50-year PV module service life along with development of advanced test methods to screen for possible defects in new PV products with less time investment. Here, we discuss PV reliability with focus on (1) observed field failure modes and inspection techniques in commercial c-Si and CdTe modules, (2) advancement of accelerated stress testing methods toward understanding longer-term degradation pathways in evolving cell types and packaging architectures, and (3) characterizing stability vs metastability in thin-film PV constructions such as perovskites. In particular, we will highlight multi-scale multi-modal characterization methodology that informs detailed PV reliability studies.
Title: Grid Integration of Variable Renewable Energy in Canada
Abstract: Integrating an increasing proportion of variable renewable energy (VRE) into the electricity grid across all regions of Canada, including remote and northern communities, necessitates grid modernization. VRE sources, such as wind and solar PV, have become the most significant new connections to the grid due to their affordability and ease to deploy. Through research and modelling, Natural Resources Canada's CanmetENERGY research center undertakes activities to overcome the barriers to integrating higher levels of VRE into electric grids. These activities span multiple levels, from technology and system characterization to addressing integration challenges at both the distribution and bulk grid levels. The goal is to enhance grid resiliency, reliability, and security, while improving energy accessibility, affordability, and equity. This presentation will provide an overview of the Canadian electricity system and present ongoing work related to renewable energy integration, including inverters, electrical load flexibility, microgrids, and electricity modelling and analysis.
Title: A New Sensor for Measuring Diffuse and Global Irradiance Using an Internal Automated Shadowband
Abstract: Accurate and reliable solar irradiance data are vital for assessing the technical performance and financial suitability of every PV technology. Recently there has been a renewed push in the solar industry for routine measurements of diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI), which is a key parameter in irradiance transposition models. However, obtaining cost-effective and reliable in situ measurements of the DHI can be difficult, due the cost and size of the equipment required, sensor performance issues, and/or the reliability concerns associated with external moving parts.
In this talk, we will propose a new way of simultaneously measuring global and diffuse horizontal irradiances from a single, compact sensor with no external moving parts. The device uses three photodiodes with quartz diffusers and an automated, internal shadowband that slowly rotates over the course of each day, constantly shading one of the photodiodes. We will assess the theoretical performance of the device by simulating spectral radiances for each element of the hemispherical sky grid under different atmospheric conditions and sun angles. Key parameters such as the spectral error and shading losses are quantified. Finally, we will discuss the on-sun performance of several prototypes at our test site against reference instruments.
Title: From Challenges to Change: Advancing PV Circularity throughout the PV Life Cycle
Abstract:Solar energy is expected to play a critical role in achieving deep electricity decarbonization and economy-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. While PV is a renewable energy source with low environmental impacts, establishing materials circularity during its rapid growth is crucial. A PV circular economy can reduce the environmental and social impacts of raw material mining, preserve domestic supplies of near-critical materials (e.g., aluminum, copper, and silicon), cut PV GHG emissions, and lower the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) through extended project lifetimes, deferred decommissioning costs, and reduced material costs. It can also mitigate potential PV price increases, boost deployment by extending equipment life (allowing raw materials to be used for new rather than replacement capacity), and enhance electricity generation through equipment repairs. A circular economy can offer community benefits, including green jobs in end of life (EOL) material management, manufacturing with locally recycled content, local reuse of PV equipment, and increased business tax revenue. It also helps build trust and enhances stakeholders’ social license to operate. This presentation identifies barriers to operationalizing a PV circular economy and explores technology solutions and strategies that provide financial, environmental, and reputational benefits for stakeholders across the value chain.
PLENARY SPEAKERS
Area 1: Deep Jariwala, University of Pennsylvania, USA
Deep Jariwala is a professor of Electrical and System Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. His research interests include novel semiconductors and nanoscale materials for electronics and optoelectronics. He has worked extensively in atomically-thin semiconductors as potential photovoltaic absorbers.Title: Do 2D Semiconductors Make Sense for Photovoltaics?
Abstract: Over the past 15 years, atomically-thin semiconducting materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides have dominated academic research in solid-state devices and materials physics. It has now been well established that layered van der Waals semiconducting materials often referred to as two-dimensional (2D) materials are some of the strongest known absorbers in the visible- to near-IR range making them very appealing as photovoltaic absorbers. However, their quantum-confined character resulting in strong exciton binding energies pose a challenge. In addition, scalable synthesis of these semiconductors also remains a major issue for their applicability.
In this talk, I will cover a brief history and then highlight major advances and present challenges that need to be overcome to advance this field. In the process I will also discuss our own works over the years in using nanophotonic techniques to attain broadband high absorption in sub-20 nm thick stacks of 2D semiconductors and their junctions. I will also comment on their device performance and shortcomings. I will then show some recent theoretical and experimental work on near-perfect absorption strategies in monolayer 2D semiconductor-based structures and their photovoltaic performance. I will conclude by highlighting major challenges for 2D materials for practical PV applications.
Area 2: Angus Rockett, Colorado Sch. of Mines, USA
Area 3: Louise C. Hirst, University of Cambridge, UK
Professor Hirst received her PhD from Imperial College London 2012 before moving to the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. She formed the Space PV group at University of Cambridge in 2018, where her team works on the development of next generation III-V space power systems.Title: Space Applications Driving Innovation in Photovoltaics
Abstract: Space applications were a key driving force in the early development of photovoltaics, with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory launching the first solar powered satellite, Vanguard I, in 1958; only a few years after the first practical solar cell demonstration at Bell Labs. In recent years, the space sector has undergone rapid growth with commercialization driving down launch costs and enabling new capabilities. Space services offer communication, navigation and imaging data, which is highly enabling across a wide range of sectors including transport and energy networks, emergency services supporting disaster relief, and meteorology for agriculture and understanding our changing climate. Emerging space applications such as space based solar power and lunar bases place new demands on photovoltaic arrays. They must be lighter weight, lower cost and able to survive longer in more hostile environments.
Once again space applications are driving innovation in photovoltaics. Researchers from all PVSC areas are invited to join this call to action.
Area 4: Daniel Macdonald, The Australian National University, Australia
Professor Macdonald has over 25 years' experience in the design, fabrication and characterisation of crystalline silicon solar cells, and has led multiple industry-supported projects on the commercialization of high efficiency n-type cellsTitle: Towards 27% efficient silicon solar cells in mass production
Abstract: Industrial silicon solar cells continue to improve in efficiency, with multiple reports of full-size cells above 26% in recent years, using both silicon heterojunction (SHJ) and doped poly-silicon (TOPCon) technologies. In this work, we will firstly review some of the key advances that have made this rapid progress possible, including improvements in silicon wafers, surface passivation, and low-recombination metallization. We then discuss in detail the relative advantages and disadvantages of SHJ and TOPCon technologies, both in terms of performance and cost. Building on this understanding, we finally consider likely future directions, including alternative architectures such as back contact cells, to enable over 27% efficient cells in mass production at low cost in the medium term.
Area 5: Tonio Buonassisi, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
Tonio Buonassisi is a professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, and director of the ADDEPT Center (Accelerated Co-Design of Durable, Reproducible, and Efficient Perovskite Tandems). He is a member of the Research Laboratory for Electronics (RLE), and his expertise includes photovoltaics (silicon, inorganic thin films, perovskites, terrestrial tandems), accelerated materials development using automation and machine learning, technoeconomic modeling, and industry translation.Title: Accelerating information gain during perovskite materials optimization, device fabrication, and stress testing: learnings from the ADDEPT Center
Abstract: Within ADDEPT, we focus on accelerating characterization to provide rapid feedback for materials development, with the goal of advancing the durability and reproducibility of perovskite modules. This talk will highlight ADDEPT-funded innovations in customized synthesis and characterization equipment to accelerate R&D cycles through automation, machine learning, and process control. Additionally, I’ll emphasize scaling up characterization capabilities by reducing costs, with a particular focus on accelerating stress testing to enable more efficient and scalable stability & durability measurements.
Area 6: Trystan Watson, Swansea University, UK
Trystan Watson is a Professor in Functional Materials at Swansea University, specializing in thin film printed photovoltaics and the development of scalable manufacturing technologies for novel solar cells. His research focuses on the process engineering challenges for scaling up from laboratory to pilot-scale production.Title: Perovskite Solar Modules: How Low Can You Go in Cost and Complexity for Global Manufacturing
Abstract: This talk will explore practical approaches to manufacturing perovskite solar modules using widely available machinery, rather than relying on highly specialized or capital-intensive equipment. Techniques like screen printing or slot-die coating can significantly lower costs, making perovskite solar technology more accessible—particularly in regions where high-end manufacturing infrastructure is not available. Cost reduction isn’t just about processing methods; material choices also play a major role. Avoiding expensive materials like Spiro-OMeTAD and gold in favor of lower-cost, scalable alternatives can make a real difference. The key challenge is finding out how much we can simplify manufacturing while still delivering efficient and durable solar modules. If we can drive down factory costs without overly compromising performance, perovskite solar technology could open the door to more decentralized and affordable solar production. Rather than relying on a few large, centralized gigafactories, this approach could enable a shift toward local manufacturing, allowing more regions to participate in solar production. By stripping back cost and complexity, perovskite solar modules could become a truly global technology—scalable, adaptable, and accessible in a way that traditional solar panels have struggled to be.
Area 7: Natasha Hjerrild, QCells, Germany
Natasha Hjerrild is Staff Expert at the Hanwha Qcells R&D facility in Germany, where she works on developing commercially-scalable perovskite-silicon solar cells. Before her work at Hanwha Qcells, Natasha worked on BIPV R&D at GAF Energy and also previously worked on interdigitated back contact (IBC) R&D and manufacturing at SunPower. Natasha received her MSc in Materials from the University of Oxford and her PhD from the University of New South Wales.
Area 8: Dana Sulas-Kern, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), USA
Dana Kern is a researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory specializing in electro-optical characterization of photovoltaic materials and devices. Her studies encompass varying stages of technology from emerging thin films to commercially deployed products, with a focus on understanding degradation modes affectingTitle: From Modules to Atoms – Multi-Scale Characterization to Inform PV Reliability
Abstract: Photovoltaics (PV) manufacturers are innovating new products with evolving cell types and advanced module packaging materials, with a goal to increase power density and module durability while still meeting the tight constraints of downward pressure on the price of solar energy. It is estimated that improvements in module durability that decrease module degradation rates (e.g. from 0.75%/y to 0.50%/y) could save billions of US dollars and help retain gigawatts of installed PV module capacity that would otherwise have to be replaced on a yearly basis and contribute to waste in landfills. It is with this understanding that research efforts are targeting up to 50-year PV module service life along with development of advanced test methods to screen for possible defects in new PV products with less time investment. Here, we discuss PV reliability with focus on (1) observed field failure modes and inspection techniques in commercial c-Si and CdTe modules, (2) advancement of accelerated stress testing methods toward understanding longer-term degradation pathways in evolving cell types and packaging architectures, and (3) characterizing stability vs metastability in thin-film PV constructions such as perovskites. In particular, we will highlight multi-scale multi-modal characterization methodology that informs detailed PV reliability studies.
Area 9: Alexandre Prieur, CanmetENERGY, Natural Resources Canada
Since 2018, Alexandre is Director of the Renewable Energy Integration group at CanmetENERGY, an energy and science research laboratory of the federal Department of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). His team of over 30 researchers and engineers focus on grid integration of renewable energy and Smart Grid. Between 2009 and 2018, he manage multiple smart grid research projects at NRCan. Alexandre holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Ecole de Technologie Superieure and a Master of Applied Science from Ecole Polytechnique Montreal. Prior to joining NRCan in 2009, he worked for 10 years in the private sector, in the telecommunication industry.Title: Grid Integration of Variable Renewable Energy in Canada
Abstract: Integrating an increasing proportion of variable renewable energy (VRE) into the electricity grid across all regions of Canada, including remote and northern communities, necessitates grid modernization. VRE sources, such as wind and solar PV, have become the most significant new connections to the grid due to their affordability and ease to deploy. Through research and modelling, Natural Resources Canada's CanmetENERGY research center undertakes activities to overcome the barriers to integrating higher levels of VRE into electric grids. These activities span multiple levels, from technology and system characterization to addressing integration challenges at both the distribution and bulk grid levels. The goal is to enhance grid resiliency, reliability, and security, while improving energy accessibility, affordability, and equity. This presentation will provide an overview of the Canadian electricity system and present ongoing work related to renewable energy integration, including inverters, electrical load flexibility, microgrids, and electricity modelling and analysis.
Area 10: Viktar Tatsiankou, Spectrafy, Canada
Dr. Viktar Tatsiankou is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Spectrafy, where he leads research and development to advance instruments for precise measurements of solar spectral and broadband irradiance data. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Ottawa, where he was awarded the Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Doctoral Scholarship.Title: A New Sensor for Measuring Diffuse and Global Irradiance Using an Internal Automated Shadowband
Abstract: Accurate and reliable solar irradiance data are vital for assessing the technical performance and financial suitability of every PV technology. Recently there has been a renewed push in the solar industry for routine measurements of diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI), which is a key parameter in irradiance transposition models. However, obtaining cost-effective and reliable in situ measurements of the DHI can be difficult, due the cost and size of the equipment required, sensor performance issues, and/or the reliability concerns associated with external moving parts.
In this talk, we will propose a new way of simultaneously measuring global and diffuse horizontal irradiances from a single, compact sensor with no external moving parts. The device uses three photodiodes with quartz diffusers and an automated, internal shadowband that slowly rotates over the course of each day, constantly shading one of the photodiodes. We will assess the theoretical performance of the device by simulating spectral radiances for each element of the hemispherical sky grid under different atmospheric conditions and sun angles. Key parameters such as the spectral error and shading losses are quantified. Finally, we will discuss the on-sun performance of several prototypes at our test site against reference instruments.
Area 11: Cara Libby, EPRI, USA
Cara Libby, Technical Executive at EPRI, specializes in solar PV end-of-life management and circularity R&D. With over 20 years of experience, she spearheads research on these topics within EPRI’s Environmental Aspects of Solar program and contributes as a U.S. expert to the IEA PVPS Task 12 committee on PV sustainability.Title: From Challenges to Change: Advancing PV Circularity throughout the PV Life Cycle
Abstract:Solar energy is expected to play a critical role in achieving deep electricity decarbonization and economy-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. While PV is a renewable energy source with low environmental impacts, establishing materials circularity during its rapid growth is crucial. A PV circular economy can reduce the environmental and social impacts of raw material mining, preserve domestic supplies of near-critical materials (e.g., aluminum, copper, and silicon), cut PV GHG emissions, and lower the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) through extended project lifetimes, deferred decommissioning costs, and reduced material costs. It can also mitigate potential PV price increases, boost deployment by extending equipment life (allowing raw materials to be used for new rather than replacement capacity), and enhance electricity generation through equipment repairs. A circular economy can offer community benefits, including green jobs in end of life (EOL) material management, manufacturing with locally recycled content, local reuse of PV equipment, and increased business tax revenue. It also helps build trust and enhances stakeholders’ social license to operate. This presentation identifies barriers to operationalizing a PV circular economy and explores technology solutions and strategies that provide financial, environmental, and reputational benefits for stakeholders across the value chain.