The illustrious solar PV scientist from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Dr. Aihua Wang has joined the Japanese solar PV manufacturer VSUN as its chief technology officer (CTO). Her husband and fellow solar PV scientist and researcher, Dr. Jianhua Zhao, is the company's group chief advisor.
The Tokyo-headquartered solar module producer VSUN has its manufacturing base in Vietnam where it operates through its subsidiary Toyo Solar. Phase I of Toyo's 4 GW n-type TOPCon cell factory was completed in November 2023. A Phase II with another 4 GW is planned in 2024.
In January 2024, it also started the construction of a 4 GW integrated monocrystalline silicon ingot and silicon wafer slicing manufacturing project in Vietnam.
"Dr. Wang's strategic vision for VSUN focuses on harnessing the latest advancements in solar technology, including the development of TOPCon solar cells, to enhance efficiency and reduce costs," reads a company statement. "Her approach aims to solidify VSUN's market leadership by expanding its global footprint, particularly in emerging markets where solar energy is rapidly becoming a pivotal element of sustainable development."
Wang and her husband and fellow solar scientist Dr. Jianhua Zhao worked with their PhD guide Prof. Martin Green to achieve high efficiency c-Si Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) and Passivated Emitter, Rear Locally-Diffused (PERL) cell structures with a world record efficiency of 25% in 1999.
The trio, along with another student of Green, Prof. Andrew Blakers, were awarded the prestigious 2023 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering for their work in the development of PERC solar technology and its efficiency improvement (see Australian Solar Scientists Win Prestigious Engineering Prize).
The husband-and-wife team also co-founded solar PV manufacturing company China Sunergy (Nanjing) in 2006.
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