Project description
Advancing c-Si PV solar cell and module efficiency and cost-effectiveness
High costs and supply chain risks hinder the widespread adoption of c-Si PV solar cell technology. The EU-funded TERASUN project will develop technologies aimed at enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of c-Si PV solar cells. One key focus is innovating Si heterojunction (SHJ) solar cell technology to achieve higher efficiencies and lower costs. Additionally, the project aims to integrate nanophotonic structures onto module cover glass to minimise reflection and improve overall performance. TERASUN will also create advancements in low-cost metallisation, direct bandgap architectures, and novel heterojunction contacts. These innovations are pivotal in approaching the theoretical efficiency limit of 29.43 % at the cell level and reducing cell-to-module losses to optimise energy yield.
Objective
TERASUN aims to develop technologies making c-Si PV solar cells more efficient and cost-effective. The project will innovate on Si heterojunction (SHJ) solar cell technology, currently holding the c-Si power conversion efficiency record of 26.81% for single junction c-Si solar cells. By targeting higher efficiencies and lower costs, TERASUN paves the way for mass production of improved SHJ solar cells. TERASUN will develop: (i) nanophotonic structures on module cover glass to minimise reflection (maximise absorption) and improve anti-soiling properties and improving the overall performance of the module, which will allow for reduced silicon consumption and higher efficiencies; (ii) innovative texturisation, including micro- and nanostructures for optimal light-trapping to enable the use ultrathin crystalline Si solar cells; (iii) novel heterojunction contacts based on metal-oxide layers implemented in interdigitated back contact (IBC) SHJ solar cells for very high efficiencies, and low-cost surface passivation for advanced surface structures; (iv) low-cost metallisation, replacing silver with copper to move towards a technology ready for terawatt production scale; and (v) direct bandgap architectures for implementation in IBC SHJ solar cells. These developments will help with approaching the fundamental limit of 29.43% on cell level and reducing cell-to-module losses for optimised energy yield. The strategic choice of materials (Cu, Al-doped Zn oxide, Sn oxide) will reduce the costs and supply chain risks. Environmental, economic and performance data associated with the developments will be gathered, evaluated and used to develop an algorithm based on multi-disciplinary design optimisation to create the TERASUN decision support tool (DST). The DST will provide stakeholders from industry and policymakers with: (i) recommendations related to the most promising technologies and (ii) a clear roadmap for the technologies developed in TERASUN towards TRL9.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.2.5 - Climate, Energy and Mobility
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.2.5.2 - Energy Supply
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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.
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.
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.
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.
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-CL5-2023-D3-02
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
41092 SEVILLA
Spain
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.