Objectif Thin film (TF) photovoltaics (PV) hold high potential for Building Integrated PV, an important market as European buildings require to be nearly zero-energy by 2020. Currently, Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (= CIGS(e)) TF solar cells have high efficiency, but also a simple one-dimensional cell design with stability and reliability concerns. Furthermore, its present research has been mainly focused on improving the absorber and buffer layers. Scientifically, Uniting PV aims to study the practical boundaries of CIGS(e) TF solar cell efficiency. For that reason, its goal is to revolutionize the design of CIGS(e) solar cells through implementation of advanced three-dimensional silicon (Si) solar cell concepts. This novel design consists of (i) surface passivation layers and (ii) light management methods integrated into ultra-thin (UT) CIGS(e) solar cells: (i) Passivation layers will be studied to reduce charge carrier recombination at CIGS(e) surfaces. The aim is to create new understanding and thus scientific models. (ii) Light management methods will be studied to optimize optical confinement in UT CIGS(e) layers. The aim is to examine the interaction between light management and charge carrier recombination in UT CIGS(e), and to create scientific models. The main reasons to introduce these developments is to reduce charge carrier recombination at the CIGS(e) surfaces and in the CIGS(e) bulk, while maintaining optical confinement. Technologically, the project targets to establish a solar cell with: (1) Increased cell efficiency, at least 23.0 % and up to 26.0 %; (2) improved stability and reliability, due to reduced CIGS(e) thickness and passivation layers hindering alkali metal movement; and (3) reduced cost, due to the use of less Ga and In, and industrially viable materials, methods and equipment. Hence, its outcome will be upscalable, valuable for other TF PV materials, and start a new wave of innovation in and collaboration between TF and Si PV research fields. Champ scientifique natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryalkali metalsengineering and technologymaterials engineeringcoating and filmsnatural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistrymetalloidsmedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologycells technologiesengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energysolar energyphotovoltaic Mots‑clés Photovoltaics PV Solar cells Thin film Cu(In Ga)Se2 CIGSSe CIGSe CIGS Silicon Si PERC Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Thème(s) ERC-2016-STG - ERC Starting Grant Appel à propositions ERC-2016-STG Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement ERC-STG - Starting Grant Institution d’accueil INTERUNIVERSITAIR MICRO-ELECTRONICA CENTRUM Contribution nette de l'UE € 1 381 796,25 Adresse KAPELDREEF 75 3001 Leuven Belgique Voir sur la carte Région Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven Type d’activité Research Organisations Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 1 986 125,00 Bénéficiaires (2) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution nette de l'UE Tout développer Tout réduire INTERUNIVERSITAIR MICRO-ELECTRONICA CENTRUM Belgique Contribution nette de l'UE € 1 381 796,25 Adresse KAPELDREEF 75 3001 Leuven Voir sur la carte Région Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven Type d’activité Research Organisations Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 1 986 125,00 Tiers Entité juridique autre qu’un sous-traitant qui est affiliée ou juridiquement liée à un participant. L’entité réalise des travaux dans les conditions prévues par la convention de subvention, fournit des biens ou des services pour l’action, mais n’a pas signé la convention de subvention. Le tiers respecte les règles applicables au participant qui lui est lié dans le cadre de la convention de subvention en ce qui concerne l’éligibilité des coûts et le contrôle des dépenses. UNIVERSITEIT HASSELT Belgique Contribution nette de l'UE € 604 328,75 Adresse MARTELARENLAAN 42 3500 Hasselt Voir sur la carte Région Vlaams Gewest Prov. Limburg (BE) Arr. Hasselt Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 604 328,75