Application Targeted And Integrated Photovoltaics (ATIP)

Vision

We aim to deliver the underpinning science and engineering that will drive the uptake of next generation organic and perovskite (PV) into integrated applications of clear technological need. Our overriding motivation is to enhance energy efficiency and thus reduce emissions in two broad target sectors:

1. High-value communications/aerospace-related technology such as lightweight power sources for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
2. PV products integrated into the built environment and automobiles, such as semi-transparent glazing integrated PV, lamination onto steel roofing products and local (indoor) Internet of Things power sources. These are all applications where the incumbent Si technology has severe limitations.

The research addresses the issues currently limiting the advance of next generation printed PV technology, as well as specific application-related challenges. ATIP is therefore intended to enhance the UK's capability in this critical area of low carbon technology, provide multi-disciplinary training for our researchers, and support a nascent next generation PV industry.

Objectives

1. Develop understandings of processes that determine performance and scalability of organic and perovskite PV.
2. Develop new materials and devices that target efficiency, stability, environmental impact, and cost compatibility for selected market applications where they have unique selling points (USPs) related to incumbent PV technologies.
3. Demonstrate upscaling and integration strategies to maintain lab-scale efficiencies in integrated sub-modules with viable operational stability in at least one printed PV platform.

Our work compromises of five areas of work:

1. Materials and Devices by Smart Design – developing and optimising materials and devices to enable lab-scale high efficiency, high stability PV devices targeted to selected market applications.
2. Theory and Simulation – developing and applying simulation tools to design, understand and optimise materials, processes, devices, and systems for specific application contexts.
3. Design Principles by Advanced Characterisation – identifying key material parameters and design rules required for highly efficient and stable solar cells with architectures relevant to scaling-up and high throughput fabrication techniques.
4. Scaled Devices with Targeted Functionality and Processability – developing scaling strategies for depositing and drying solution-based perovskite and organic solar cell materials using methods that meet the programme’s design requirements and enable integration. Particularly focusing on reducing the efficiency gap between small and large area cells.
5. Systems-level Integration for Specific Market Applications – demonstrating high-value integrated applications where the USPs of next generation PV provide performance and value advantages over current technology.

Key Finding - Indoor Photovoltaics (iPV) Market Opportunity

We highlight 3 main areas in the iPV space:  a) the development of standardized protocols for iPV testing and deeper understanding and consensus of light resource availability, b) development of high performance, scalable PSC and OSC systems for low-light iPV applications c) development of an ultra-low power air control monitor sensor powered by organic PV technology in collaboration with Epishine, which has received an European Product Design Award,  and is under development for commercial application.

Introducing AIR-sense-IQ: a CO2 Monitor Powered by Epishine's Organic Indoor Solar Cells

Key Finding - OPV Scale Up and AgriPV

The main development is the translation of champion OPV devices into roll-to-roll compatible, fully sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing process. Our research efforts have contributed to the advancement of roll-to-roll and glass coating technology with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and sustainability. Our particular focus is semi-transparent devices for AgriPV market applications, working closely with partner companies for technology evaluation for agrivoltaics applications.

PAPER: Pathways to Upscaling Highly Efficient Organic Solar Cells Using Green Solvents: A Study on Device Photophysics in the Transition from Lab-to-Fab. Mazzolini et al, Advanced Science, 2024

Key Finding - All-Printed Roll-to-Roll Perovskite PV Enabled by Solution-Processed Carbon Electrode

ATIP has achieved significant milestones in the development of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) through roll-to-roll (R2R) coating technology. We have successfully coated entire PSCs, including the top carbon electrode using R2R technique by achieving over 10% device efficiency and fully environmentally sustainable process. This represents the first example of all printed R2R perovskite devices.

PAPER: All-Printed Roll to Roll Perovskite Photovoltaics Enabled by Solution Processed Carbon Electrode, D. Beynon, E. Parvazian et al. Advanced Materials, 2023

Outreach and engagement initiatives have been conducted through the ATIP program, delivering meaningful and impactful events focused on photovoltaic research. These activities encompass educational outreach aimed at school-aged students, families, and communities, such as participation in science dissemination events like science festivals and workshops, as well as demonstrations and displays at trade shows.

• SPECIFIC
• SUNRISE
• Centre for Processable Electronics
• Sêr SAM
• Applied Physics and Materials Research
• CISM
• SuperGen / Supersolar Network 

Management Team
Professor James Durrant - PI and Director	Professor Paul Meredith - Co-I and Director	Dr Silvia Villarroya-Lidon - Programme Manager

Research Team
Professor Trystan Watson	Dr Wing Chung Tsoi	Dr Matthew Carnie	Professor Jenny Nelson
Dr Martin Heeney	Dr Piers Barnes	Professor Ji-Seon Kim	Professor Henry Snaith
Dr James Ryan	Dr Nicola Gasparini	Dr Francisco J Martin-Martinez

New Destinations
Dr Jenny Baker (University of Bath)	Dr Ardalan Armin (Collins Aerospace)

Advisory Board Members 

• Dr Nigel Mason (Consultant) – Chair
• Prof Richard Friend (Cambridge University)
• Prof Mike Walls (Loughborough University, Director of SuperSolar)
• Dr. Andreas Hinsch (Fraunhofer ISE, Germany)
• Prof Alison Walker (University of Bath)
• Su Varma (NSG)
• Dr Martyn Rush (Polysolar)
• Dr Diego Bagnis (Oninn)