Australian manufacturing innovator Dyesol is one step closer to commercialising a potentially cheaper and highly efficient solar cell, thanks to $449,000 support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Acting ARENA Chief Executive Ian Kay said the funding would enable the New South Wales-based Dyesol to create a roadmap setting out the steps needed to take its perovskite solar cell technology from the lab to a commercially available product.
Dyesol is aiming for a delivery cost benchmark of $US10c/kWh, which would put perovskite solar PV cells on par with current benchmarks achieved by silicon solar PV.
“Perovskite is abundant and cheaper than silicon and there are signs it may be more adaptable than conventional silicon, providing enhanced performance in low light conditions and being better suited for integration into external building components, such as windows and facades,” Mr Kay said.
ARENA is hoping to see a significant breakthrough in cost reduction in the manufacture of solar PV technology, in line with its mandate of reducing the cost of renewable energy and advancing innovative technologies.
“Perovskite cells have been demonstrated at laboratory scale but have never before been mass produced. Dyesol will map out the techniques and requirements for working towards scalable manufacturing of high-quality, uniform perovskite cells that achieve efficiency, durability and stability targets,” Mr Kay said.
Dyesol Chief Technical Officer Damion Milliken said ARENA’s support would help the company obtain critical manufacturing input materials and techniques necessary for commercialisation of a perovskite solar cell product.
“This project is about capacity building in the Australian perovskite solar cell space, where world-leading expertise exists on both the academic and industrial scenes,” Mr Milliken said.
“ARENA’s funding will be invaluable in accelerating commercialisation of this transformational solar PV technology and ensuring Australia is at the forefront of this development.”
Federal Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt said supporting early-stage projects, such as Dyesol’s, is vital if Australia is to maintain and build on its competitive advantage in solar research and development.
“What I’d like to see is more solar available for Australian families and businesses, and, at the same time, be growing an innovative commercial solar industry on Australian shores.”
The research project is due to be completed in the first quarter of next year.
