Nanowire photovoltaics

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The Sun is the most abundant source of renewable energy, but the low efficiency and high cost of solar cells do not make them competitive with other energy technologies, particularly fossil fuels. This proposal will develop a disruptive technology, namely semiconductor nanowires, which are expected to improve the efficiency and reduce fabrication costs of photovoltaic (PV) cells. Our nanowires are one-dimensional rods, several microns long, 50 to 100 nm wide, and composed of Group III-V compounds such as GaAs. Their unique geometry enhances light trapping and current extraction in PV cells, and they enable inexpensive and flexible substrates. These benefits have not been realized in practical cells due to the complexities of nanowire fabrication. This proposal will draw on our existing strengths in the fabrication of III-V nanowires to advance the state-of-the-art in photovoltaics. The technology developed in this proposal will be commercialized in collaboration with Cleanfield Energy, an Ontario-based renewable/alternative energy company.