TaiyangNews & SNEC 2024 – Solar Leadership Conversations With Martin Green

In the latest installment of the TaiyangNews & SNEC 2024 – Solar Leadership Conversations series, TaiyangNews' Head of Technology Shravan Chunduri engaged with Scientia Professor at The University of New South Wales (UNSW), who is often hailed as the father of modern photovoltaics. The conversation revolved around recent innovations, current research focus, and the future trajectory of solar technology. Here is a brief of the same.

Technological Highlights of the Past Year

Green highlighted 3 significant technological developments from the past year:

• Efficiency Milestones: The setting of new world records with heterojunction (HJT) cells and IBC cells (HBC cells), marking substantial progress towards ultimate efficiency limits
• Commercial Introduction of All Back Contact Cells: These cells showcased a notable efficiency performance gain, signaling a future shift towards all back contact or equivalent technology
• Progress with Perovskite-Silicon Tandems: While there have been incremental improvements in efficiency, Green emphasized the need for more data on module durability

UNSW's Focus Areas

At UNSW, Green's team is deeply involved in silicon tandems, particularly perovskite silicon tandems. However, recognizing potential stability issues with perovskites, they are also exploring alternatives like pure sulfide CZTS technology, where they hold the world record for pure sulfide technology efficiency. Green stressed the importance of finding a stable and cost-effective material for tandem applications.

Diverse Technology Landscape

Green acknowledged the success of PERC technology, which has made the industry more adventurous in adopting new technologies. He discussed the ongoing competition between TOPCon and HJT technologies, highlighting the importance of achieving high open-circuit voltages and enhanced fill factors. Green suggested that the future might see a hybrid technology combining the best of TOPCon and HJT.

Perovskite Tandems: Cell-Level vs. Module-Level

Green expressed a preference for cell-level tandems over module-level due to production cost advantages and manufacturing simplicity. He noted the success of the silicon cell manufacturing industry in reducing costs and believes this will continue to favor cell-level approaches.

Commercialization Prospects for Perovskite Technology

While some companies are testing perovskite products, Green emphasized that successful commercialization hinges on proving long-term durability. Current evidence suggests that high-performance products may not yet meet the required durability standards for market competitiveness.

Solar as a Building-Integrated Material

Green reflected on the challenges of integrating photovoltaics into building materials, noting the difficulties faced even by high-profile efforts like Elon Musk's solar roof tiles. He cited the custom nature of architectural projects as a fundamental obstacle to achieving low-cost photovoltaics in building integration.

Advice for the New Generation

Green encouraged young enthusiasts and researchers to look at the historical progress of photovoltaics, emphasizing the significant potential for future advancements. He highlighted the moral and environmental incentives for pursuing a career in this field, underscoring the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the planet.

Click here to watch the full interview with Martin Green on the TaiyangNews YouTube Channel.