Ubiquitous Solar: Novel solar energy devices and systems costing less than $1/W

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Solar power is revolutionizing the way we generate and distribute energy around the world. This research will develop the skilled personnel necessary for the rapidly expanding solar industry and demand for solar power, promoting effective knowledge transfer and filling employment needs of existing and future Canadian industry.***The proposed research will develop new solar cell and system designs capable of Stream 1 - 50% EFFICIENT PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) CELLS (2/5 budget)***In any PV system, a 10% increase in solar cell efficiency typically yields a 20% higher return on investment, reducing the cost of electricity. The most effective path to high efficiencies is with a multi-junction solar cell structure. Three design approaches (wafer bonding, spectral splitting, and mechanical stacking) will be evaluated for performance higher than the best devices presently available. Options with the potential to realistically achieve 50% efficiency will be prototyped.***Stream 2 - NEXT GENERATION CONCENTRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS (2/5 budget)***Concentrator optics focus large areas of sunlight onto small PV cells. We will study, design and characterise new concentrator systems which integrate the novel higher efficiency cells of Stream 1. We will develop new hybrid systems incorporating regular flat panel cells to complement the concentrated system in regions or conditions where direct normal illumination is intermittent or consistently low. These designs offer the potential to yield the highest yearly energy per peak-power of any system available.***Stream 3 - NANOGRIDS INTEGRATING PHOTOVOLTAICS AND STORAGE (1/5 budget)***Nanogrids are small managed local systems (AC or DC) that operate separately or simplify connection to the grid. They can include solar cells and local storage (batteries,  capacitors) to ensure continuous back-up during power cuts or low-sunlight periods. We will maximize the proportion of solar power possible on the grid, optimizing the PV units to work smoothly with the grid and storage systems. This will include options for direct DC supply to electronics (e.g., computers) that normally require power adapters.*** **