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Ang猫le Reinders research focuses on the integration of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy technologies in mobility, buildings, infrastructures and our environment by applying a design-driven approach. In it, she combines technical research with other relevant disciplines (such as industrial design and socio-economics) to create products and systems that people actually can and like to use. Reinders strongly believes that the sustainable energy revolution can only be successful if engineers take into account human factors, societal context, financial aspects and design and styling.

At present her design-driven research has three core pillars: (1) luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) technologies, (2) performance and reliability assessments of solar systems and (3) solar powered mobility. Her applied research on ranges from to advanced geometrical designs, which have both great design features (color, transparency, form) and high efficiency. The performance of these and other integrated PV modules are tested in the 黑料福利网鈥檚 large area solar simulator.

with more than 250 researchers from 37 countries across Europe, she investigates the long-term yields of PV systems in different climates and in various hybrid system contexts, using big data analytics, simulations and machine learning techniques.

Her research on PV-powered mobility focusses on solar-powered electric cars and solar charging stations. In this research she works together with Lightyear, Toyota, TNO, IM Efficiency and Forschungszentrum J眉lich. More details about Reinders鈥� work can be found Or check out her book (2020).

Physicist Erik Bakkers is best known for his search for Majorana particles. But his fundamental research into nanowires may not only revolutionize computing. It may well become a key element in sustainable energy supply as well. Bakkers thinks that within a few years he can break the so-called Shockley-Queisser limit, the theoretical maximum efficiency of solar cells. It states that due to physical laws, solar panels can only convert about one third of the sun light they absorb into electricity.

But Bakkers is convinced that his nanowire solar cells can go beyond this limit. Because of their size and diameter, nanowires are very good at capturing and concentrating light. By using these geometric qualities, Bakkers and his team are able to reduce so-called entropy losses, and thus enhance the performance of solar cells. In 2016, Bakkers鈥� group already set the world record efficiency for nanowire solar cells at 17.8 percent. The main challenge is developing a high-quality material that has excellent internal efficiency. 鈥淎nd that is exactly what were good at鈥�, says Bakkers. More about Bakkers鈥� work in this longread and on his group page. His most recent research can be found

Like Ren茅 Janssen, Shuxia Tao uses insights from both chemistry and physics in her research, but her approach is computational. Using atomistic and multiscale computational methods, she tries to get a fundamental understanding of the materials used in solar cells.

One of her current research interests are defects in perovskite. is an abundant and cheap material, which potentially makes it an attractive alternative to silicon. However, it suffers from instability, which means perovskite tends to degrade quickly under the influence of light, heat and moisture. Tao recently demonstrated that by adding a small layer of protective fluoride to the perovskite, the stability of the material can increase significantly.

The challenge for the future lies in getting a better fundamental understanding of the relevant mechanisms at the atomic scale. 鈥淲e still don鈥檛 have all the answers to why some materials are more effective than others in increasing the long-term stability of perovskite cells鈥�, says Tao. More about Tao鈥檚 work on her group page. Her most recent research can be found .

HEat Robustness In relation To AGEing cities (HERITAGE) is an interdisciplinary collaboration between University of Twente, TU Delft, Eindhoven University of Technology and WUR which is funded by the 4TU-HTFS program. In HERITAGE researchers are developing a high-tech sensor and design system for detection, reduction and prevention of heat stress due to climate change in the built environment. This will detect and predict patterns of solar irradiation and ambient temperatures at unprecedented resolutions. HERITAGE is a broad program with various socio-technological solutions to mitigate heat stress, including the use of solar energy technologies and vegetation in the built environment. For more information and the composition of the HERITAGE team see

Erwin Kessels is specialized in using so-called Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) techniques to create highly efficient solar cells that can be produced at an industrial scale and at acceptable cost. ALD is a manufacturing technique capable of depositing atomically thin layers on a substrate. Because the layers are applied consecutively, it allows for very precise and complex structures.

These nanolayers have multiple applications in solar cells. Firstly, they are used as so-called passivation layers to minimize electrical losses at the silicon surface. Secondly, they can function as anti-reflective coatings, which minimize the amount of light reflected by the silicon cells. Thirdly, they are used as transparent conductive oxides (TCOs), which are needed at the front of non-wafer based solar cells to conduct charge. Fourthly, nanolayers are used to produce ultrathin film solar cells, which, because they are flexible and low in weight, can be used in buildings. And finally, nanolayers can help to increase the efficiency of perovskite solar cells.

Kessels believes ALD holds much promise for the solar industry, because it is a technology that can be used at scale and easily move out of the laboratory into industrial applications. He expects that within one to two years virtually all commercial solar panels will include nanolayers developed at his lab. Working together with industry is a big priority for Kessels. He is one of the driving forces behind the alliance, which brings together leading solar researchers from both academia and industry. More about Kessel鈥檚 work can be found on his group page. His most recent research can be found .

unites several leading R&D institutions in a dedicated pursuit of photovoltaic solar energy innovations. The mission of Solliance is to help create, extend, and strengthen economic activities related to advanced PV technologies (valorization). As such we work closely together with industry players and governments, with a focus on the regions around the axis Eindhoven-Hasselt.

The scope of the Solliance cooperation comprises Perovskite based thin film PV, Tandem PV technology and technology for PV mass customization. The Solliance partnership has a long history, that started in 2010 with the launching of Solliance and the cooperation with the province Noord-Brabant. Today鈥檚 partners in Solliance are: TNO, imec, Hasselt University and Eindhoven University of Technology.

The search for unconventional photovoltaic materials is also part of the research of university professor Ren茅 Janssen, who heads the interdisciplinary group Molecular Materials and Nanosystems. The group specializes in developing organic and perovskite semiconductor materials and in exploring multijunction cells, in which several absorber layers work in concert to boost the efficiency.

Organic and perovskite semiconductors are easy to process and potentially cheap. Looking at their disordered nature and defect density, it surprising that these molecular materials afford very efficient solar cells. Janssen鈥檚 group focuses on understanding and modifying the subtle interactions between the chemical and electronic structure in these materials, to control light absorption, charge transport, and the nanoscale structure to improve these novel materials.

Multijunction cells combine two or more sub cells, using materials that absorb different parts of the solar spectrum, so that the maximum efficiencies for each can be combined. Here, the main focus for Janssen鈥檚 research team is creating the optimal materials that make these cells efficient. The team was first worldwide to successfully make solution processed polymer solar cells and is now striving towards such devices based on perovskites. More about Janssen鈥檚 work on his group page. His most recent research can be found .

PEPPERONI was set up to support Europe in reaching its renewable energy targets. PEPPERONI will help advance perovskite/silicon tandem photovoltaics (PV) technology鈥檚 journey towards the market introduction and mass manufacturing.

The project will identify and address the barriers to tandem solar technology鈥檚 market introduction. And ultimately lay the foundations for fast implementation of new production capacity in Europe as a cost-effective and resource-efficient solution to decarbonise the energy system.For more information and the composition of the PEPPERONI team see: 

Adriana Creatore explores the technique of Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) beyond its present application in silicon solar cells. Specifically, she focuses on the design and engineering of interfaces and thin films by ALD for metal halide perovskite solar cells and tandem architectures.

As we have seen, metal halide perovskite has been the focus of intensive research in recent years, which has brought the efficiency rates of these solar cells beyond 25%, close to conventional silicon cells. Because the band gap of perovskite semiconductors can be manipulated (鈥榯uned鈥�), they can be used in tandem devices, which combine perovskite solar cells with silicon or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cells, even further improving their efficiency.

Creatore investigates metal oxides, because they have proven to be very efficient transport layers in metal halide perovskite solar cells. Tin oxide (SnO₂) is one the most promising metals. Not only is it an efficient electron transport layer, it also ensures that the solar cell keeps its efficiency and stability when exposed to heat or humidity, as recently highlighted by the collaboration of Creatore鈥檚 group with . Another interesting case study is nickel oxide (NiO), which plays a major role towards the synthesis of efficient tunnel junctions. Junctions allow current to flow between the bottom and top cells by eliminating the opposite charge carriers that are generated in the two cells.

Creatore is principle scientist representing the focus area 鈥淐hemistry for sustainable energy systems鈥� within the recently founded Eindhoven Institute for Renewable Energy Systems (EIRES). More about Creatore鈥檚 work can be found .

The Flemish comedian and science enthusiast Lieven Scheire is the host of the 黑料福利网 podcast series 'Sound of Science'. In this podcast serie, he engages in a conversation with Auke Hoekstra about sustainable energy. 'The Spark of the New': the promise of new technology that will eventually fundamentally change the world. That's the driving force for Auke, who is now - in the research program NEON - trying to conceive what our future with sustainable energy should look like. A captivating conversation full of optimism about the energy transition takes place with Lieven. From electric trucks to solar fuels, from energy costs to forecasting, and from reenactment groups to the intention to be happy with devices that actually work well.

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Roel Loonen鈥榮 work focusses on bringing the technology of solar panels into the built environment. He is developing performance-based design guidelines for adapting solar cell materials in such a way that they can be integrated perfectly in construction elements, making the whole setup more efficient, aesthetically pleasing and less expensive. The ambition to customize the production of solar panels for specific dimensions in the construction industry is known as Building Integrated PhotoVoltaics (BIPV). It caters to the growing market for renovation and the urgent need for sustainable energy consumption and production in our homes and buildings.

In the project he and other researchers worked together with various industry partners to implement BIPV,  combining modelling and simulation techniques from building physics with experimental research. Loonen also looks into the opportunities and constraints of customized thin film technology used in BIPV, evaluating the potential of ultrathin film solar cells.

The performance of full-scale BIPV modules is currently being monitored in SolarBEAT, an outdoor testing facility at the roof of one of the 黑料福利网 buildings that combines a sophisticated weather station with a full installation for thermal research and a network of sensors for irradiation, temperature and energy yield. More about Loonen鈥檚 work on his group page. His most recent research can be found .

Michael Debije is also interested in the application of solar technology in the built environment, but he approaches the subject from a different angle, as a chemical engineer. He designs polymer-based solar energy systems that can beautify as well as generate electrical power, and respond to changes in environmental conditions.  He is also working to bring adaptable solar energy systems to horticulture, to improve the function of greenhouses. The polymer plate devices could be integrated anywhere it is not appropriate to use traditional solar panels.

Debije is best known for his work on so-called Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs), colorful, adaptable solar energy generators that are ideal for use in urban settings. LSCs are made of tiny luminescent particles, on which sunlight is captured and reflected until it reaches the edges of a solar cell. This converts the concentrated sunlight into electricity.

Because LSCs are transparent, they can be used in settings where solar panels are less desirable, because of aesthetics or because they get easily vandalized or dirty. An added advantage is that LSCs are less sensitive to shade. More about Debije鈥檚 work on his group page. His most recent research can be found .