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Content archived on 2024-06-18

Solar cells based on InGaN nanostructures on silicon

Objective

The target of this project is the establishment of a technology platform for the fabrication of a new generation of multi-junction photovoltaic cells based on nanostructured InGaN layers synthesized on silicon substrates. Currently, the photovoltaic market is dominated by single-junction crystalline silicon modules because of their low cost and long-term reliability. However, higher conversion efficiencies are obtained using advanced multi-junction techniques operating under concentration. In this context, this project aims at a major break-through in the solar domain by introduction of InGaN-on-Si solar cells. The ultimate objective is to implement a tandem cell with an InGaN junction in series with a silicon solar cell, in order to achieve a photovoltaic device with high conversion efficiency at a moderate production cost. Furthermore, the outstanding physical and chemical stability of III-nitrides enables them to operate in harsh environments, showing high stability under concentration conditions and superior resistance to high-energy particle radiation. We propose a completely new approach to the nitride-based solar cell, addressing directly nitrogen-polar high-In content layers on low-cost Si(111) substrates. The project must face a number of technological challenges: new state-of-the-art for nitride material design, growth and fabrication technology adapted to the InGaN specificities. As relevant novelties, three novel approaches are incorporated into the solar cells design: (i) growth of N-polar material by introducing a new concept of 3D buffer layer to improve the carrier collection, (ii) incorporation of InGaN/GaN nanostructures (quantum wells/dots) in the active region to enhance indium incorporation, facilitate the strain management and increase the spectral response in the infrared spectral range, and (iii) incorporation of heterostructured p-type region.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF
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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF)

Coordinator

COMMISSARIAT A L ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
EU contribution
€ 194 046,60
Address
RUE LEBLANC 25
75015 PARIS 15
France

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Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris
Activity type
Research Organisations
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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