IMEC-EV PV Lab

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IMEC – EnergyVille PV Lab

TA75 – IMEC-EV PV Lab 

Location

EnergyVille 2, Thor Park 8320

3600 Genk,  Belgium 

Description

While the average user might be acquainted with standard silicon-based solar cell technology, the field of photovoltaics is in continuous evolution. Cells based on new thin-film absorber materials, like perovskites or CIGS, are approaching conversion efficiencies of Si cells at potentially lower cost and with more flexible sizing.

Understanding the material and device properties of these new perovskite solar cells is crucial to develop the processes that enable the realisation of devices with highest performance. This is why we demonstrate these new materials and device architectures not only on small lab-scale devices but also on large area (30x30cm²) modules, and even full integration in final applications like buildings, vehicles and infrastructure.

These thin film PV technologies can also be combined with the existing Si solar cell technology in so-called tandem solar cells. Such combination will yield even higher conversion efficiency, surpassing the boundaries that are currently limiting the further development of Si photovoltaics. Secondly, full thin film tandems are being explored as well.

Testing Capabilities

Several material and device characterisation techniques are available, ranging from scanning electron microscope, Dektak profilometer and 3D confocal microscope, time-resolved photoluminescence, UV-Vis absorbance-reflection measurements, electroluminescence imaging and high-resolution spectral response to climate chambers for damp heat, thermal cycling and UV testing.

Several class A solar simulators, in ambient as well as in inert atmosphere, are operational for small area devices up to 10x10cm2 modules. Characterisation of the large area modules can be done with a large-area LED-light-based solar simulator which can provide A+A+A+ light quality over 1x1.6m2 area and also integrated back lighting for bifacial modules. Electroluminescence measurement of full-size modules with a resolution of <150 um is also possible in the same setup.

Technical Equipment

Imec has perovskite processing platforms including spin, blade, and slot die coating, as well as a recently newly developed thermal evaporation system. Slot die coating, thermal evaporation and sputtering systems allow for processing perovskite modules up to 35x35cm2. For the monolithic interconnections, a 3-wavelength picosecond laser is available, operating on the same size.

Dispenser and curing stations, as well as a double membrane laminator are available to complete the module packaging.

For tandem technology, screen printers for patterned metal contacts are also available. Stringing, shingling and pick-and-place tools are used for specialty module configurations.

Additional information

Technology Readiness Level: 4-6

Special considerations: N/A 

Technology clusters: PV

Website: https://energyville.be/en/labs/?_filter_domain=solar-energy

Availability: All year

Provision of tools to prepare data sets in a FAIR way:  Yes 

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