Hi-BITS hosts insightful session at E-MRS 2024 Fall Meeting
The Hi-BITS project (High Efficiency Bifacial Thin Film Chalcogenide Solar Cells), led by the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), made a strong impact at the European Materials Research Society (E-MRS) 2024 Fall Meeting, held in Warsaw, Poland. In collaboration with Symposium A: Thin Film Chalcogenide Photovoltaic Materials – 2024, Hi-BITS organised a special session titled Passivated Back Contacts, focused on innovative techniques to enhance the performance of thin-film chalcogenide solar cells.
An engaging session
The session showcased cutting-edge research on improving solar cell efficiency through advanced passivation strategies, critical for reducing recombination losses and boosting overall device stability. With the Hi-BITS project targeting an ambitious 25% power conversion efficiency in bifacial, ultra-thin, semi-transparent, and tandem CIGS solar cells, this session provided a platform to discuss pivotal breakthroughs and explore collaborative opportunities.
Sascha Sadewasser, Research Group Leader at INL and coordinator of the Hi-BITS project, highlighted the session’s success.
“The special Hi-BITS session held as part of Symposium A at E-MRS was a great success. Featuring five presentations from consortium members and one related external presentation, the session highlighted the project’s progress over its first 11 months. With many scientists from relevant fields in attendance, Hi-BITS members engaged in valuable discussions with their peers.””
Advancing Photovoltaic Technologies
Hi-BITS is committed to reshaping the European photovoltaic landscape by developing a novel architecture that targets 25% power conversion efficiency, surpassing the current 23% threshold for CIGS technology. The project focuses on creating bifacial solar cells with high photon recycling capabilities, which are expected to reduce raw material consumption while delivering superior energy yields and device stability. These advancements will cater to high-demand applications such as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), vehicle integration, and agri-photovoltaics.
By developing and optimizing passivated back contacts, Hi-BITS aims to significantly improve the efficiency and stability of these thin-film solar cells. The special session showcased the consortium’s progress in this area, providing attendees with insights into how these innovations are pushing the boundaries of solar energy technologies.
Leading the Charge for Sustainability
Hi-BITS is at the forefront of efforts to boost the thin-film manufacturing industry in Europe, focusing on high-efficiency processes that consume fewer raw materials while delivering better performance. The project also aims to shorten and refine production methods, offering solutions that are scalable and sustainable. Outdoor testing of the new modules will take place across three distinct European climates, ensuring that these technologies deliver higher energy yield, stability, and environmental sustainability in real-world conditions.
In addition to technological advancements, the project places a strong emphasis on life cycle analysis and costing. This ensures that Hi-BITS modules not only outperform in terms of efficiency but also meet high sustainability standards.
Looking Ahead
The Hi-BITS consortium, which brings together leading European research institutions and industrial partners, continues to push the boundaries of thin-film photovoltaic technologies. The participation in the E-MRS 2024 Fall Meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration within the scientific community, and the project remains focused on delivering prototype-level results that will drive forward the future of sustainable energy generation.