III-V optoelectronic devices nanofabrication for next generation concentrated photovoltaics (CPV)

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The photovolatics (PV) technology evolution over the last decades led to both higher sun energy conversion efficiency and much lowered cost per watt. With over 600 GW capacity installed worldwide in 2021 and an installation rate greater than 100GW per year, this renewable energy technology growth rate is increasing steadily. The technological leader in this field is based on silicon PV. This research program is based on an alternative technology using high performance "III-V" semiconductor materials traditionally found in telecommunications sector applications. The heterostructures using these materials for PV perform particularly well under concentrated sunlight (100 to 1000x typically) and thus ends up into reduced materials usage per unit area thanks to the optical concentrating setups. The latest reported record conversion efficiency by NREL is at 47.1% under 143 x concentrated sunlight, using 6 junction cell architectures. Concentrated Photovoltaics (CPV) systems thus rely on concentrated optics as well as dual axis trackers to keep light focused onto CPV cells. These systems, despite their very high recycling rate (steal, aluminum, glass), are more expensive than traditional PV systems and thus CPV currently has a marginal market share. From the scientific standpoint, all III-V technology developments will impact multiple industrial sectors including of course CPV but other critical sectors such as telecommunications, non-PV energy conversion systems etc. Also reaching 50% conversion efficiency is clearly a scientific target of high interest worldwide. The work supported by this program will be backed by a solid expertise developed within my group over the past 15 years and access to exceptional micro-nanofabrication infrastructures both at the Université de Sherbrooke and through international collaborations. We will develop high concentration cells (1000x typically) as well as advanced processing methods allowing for episubstrates recycling thus reducing by a factor of 10-20x these scarce materials usages. Our distinctive positioning is centered on advanced micro-nanofabrication expertise complementary to other CPV groups worldwide targeting mainly new material architectures. It will end up in 10 000 x reduction factor regarding scarce semiconductors materials usage compared to non concentrated applications. This know-how will also impact the Canadian leadership on III-V materials in many ways beyond the competition for 50% conversion efficiency of CPV cells, with Highly Qualified People training (4 PhDs and 5 interns) and a multiple set of targeted areas benefitting from this expertise beyond CPV, including the space PV sector for both satellites and beyond earth planet based PV applications.