Light-weight and Conformable Solar Modules

We will translate our newly-developed semiconductor ink science and associated printing techniques to develop printable, light-weight and conformable interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells with high efficiencies. IBC cells are among the most complicated PV technologies, but they possess the highest power efficiency for mass production c-Si solar cells today. Our invention has the potential to significantly reduce the complexity and cost of manufacturing high-efficiency IBC cells by achieving precise deposition on-demand with printing techniques. The technology will allow utilization of ultra-thin and light substrates for conformable cells, custom shapes and sizes for drone, battery and multi-purpose product integration. Preliminary work resulted in formulation of several semiconductor materials and successfully developed printable inks for silicon surfaces. When fully developed, SHIO will expand into module manufacturing. Conformable, high-efficiency and light-weight IBC solar cells will provide crucial features for self-contained sensors, batteries and UAV devices in the Air Force with an opportunity to develop self powered sensor technology on a chip.