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This project is the first to implement laboratory proven advanced cell process technology in the industrial environment of the ASI funded Solar Industrial Research Facility at UNSW. It offers researchers an opportunity to fast track the commercialisation of their promising photovoltaic (PV) technology.

UNSW researchers have demonstrated in the laboratory setting that the use of Laser Doping Selective Emitter technology improves the efficiency of silicon based solar cells by more than 10 per cent.

When combined with the affordable, environmentally sound products used in its design, the technology offers an opportunity to enhance PV deployment by increasing its sustainability and cost competitiveness with conventional stationary energy generation.

In recognition of its potential, the LDSE technology will be the first to be evaluated, demonstrated and industrialised in the Solar Industrial Research Facility (SIRF), to fast track its commercialisation outcomes.

A collaborative approach will see the SIRF house a pilot line for screen-printed silicon solar cells using equipment supplied by Suntech R&D Australia, Roth & Rau and others.

UNSW researchers will use their own test bed facilities, and those at ANU to assess new techniques and technologies before transferring them to the SIRF. 

Manufacturing techniques developed using the proven UNSW Laser Doped Selective Emitter will be incorporated into the performance improvement roadmaps of SIRF collaborators. 

At the project’s completion, this state-of-the-art PV technology will be ready for easy manufacturing using “off the shelf” equipment and in a position to be rapidly deployed world-wide.

Fact sheet: Development and commercialisation of high efficiency silicon solar cell technology (PDF 314KB)