Robust, High Efficiency Flexible Photovoltaic Modules

Wakonda Technologies, Inc. will develop flexible photovoltaic modules with over 25% conversion efficiency, enabling expanded use of renewable energy in rapid response situations. Wakonda has developed a proprietary flexible solar module technology with the ability to increase renewable energy power density in Air Force air and space platforms and for mobile and permanent installations. The innovation uses proven technology for low cost production of flexible, large area substrates for the growth of high quality semiconductor (Ge, Si, GaAs…) films. Our previous work has demonstrated reliable roll-to-roll production of high performance thin films on similar large area templates with quality equal to films grown on single crystal substrates. Our new concept extends this capability to materials and processes suitable for high efficiency photovoltaic cells. This Phase I program will produce and demonstrate a semiconductor PV cell with a conversion efficiency of over 20% on polymer-backed metal foil, demonstrating the critical processes necessary to prove feasibility of the new manufacturing approach for the Air Force mission.