Hi-BITS: Revolutionising the Solar Energy Landscape
We talked with Sascha Sadewasser - the coordinator of Hi-BITS - to understand the revolutionary approach of the project.
In this conversation, Sadewasser shed light on how this ambitious initiative is set to transform the world of photovoltaic (PV) technology by enhancing efficiency and introducing innovative applications for solar cells. With 15 partners from various research institutions and industries, Hi-BITS aims to push the boundaries of current solar technology.
A New Era in Solar Energy: What is Hi-BITS?
At the core of the Hi-BITS project is the development of high-efficiency bifacial thin-film chalcogenide solar cells. Sascha Sadewasser explained that the project is focused on innovating the architecture of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells, a technology known for its flexibility and high efficiency in the PV market.
“The basic idea is to replace the metallic molybdenum back contact with a transparent conductive oxide contact and a hole transport layer,” Sadewasser shared. This new design not only simplifies the cell structure by eliminating the need for complex gallium (Ga) gradients but also reduces the thickness of the CIGS layer. This results in faster production speeds and lower material costs, making solar energy more accessible and scalable.
What makes Hi-BITS truly unique is the bifacial functionality. Light can enter both from the top and bottom sides of the solar module, increasing the amount of energy captured and converted into electricity. “This architecture will enable higher energy yields during operation,” said Sadewasser, positioning Hi-BITS as a pioneering force in the race for more efficient solar technologies.
Collaboration and Innovation: Who is Involved?
Hi-BITS brings together a powerful consortium, with a total of 15 partners, including 5 Research and Technology Organizations (RTOs), 3 universities, and 7 industry players. Each partner plays a crucial role in driving innovation and ensuring the project's industrial applicability.
The research and academic partners focus on the core technological challenges, such as optimizing the interface between the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) and the CIGS absorber layer. This is critical to achieving high performance while also integrating bifacial functionality. Furthermore, new module interconnection schemes are being explored to minimize losses during the process of connecting individual solar cells into a larger module.
A notable innovation being developed is semi-transparent CIGS solar cells. These could revolutionize building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), enabling the installation of solar modules in windows, where sunlight can be converted into electricity while still allowing light to pass through. “This could open new applications for solar energy in urban environments, where space is limited but energy needs are high,” Sadewasser added.
The industry partners, including five manufacturers of CIGS solar modules, ensure that innovations developed during the project are immediately aligned with large-scale production requirements. By integrating the manufacturing perspective early on, Hi-BITS aims to create a smooth path to industrialization, ensuring that new technologies are not only groundbreaking but also practical and ready for mass production.
Expected Impact: Transforming Solar Technology for a Sustainable Future
“The results of Hi-BITS will boost thin-film manufacturing by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and expanding the possible applications of solar technology, paving the way for a more sustainable and energy-independent Europe”
When asked about the expected outcomes of Hi-BITS, Sadewasser emphasized that the project’s innovative solar cells will have broad-reaching impacts. The higher efficiency and bifacial functionality will boost the energy yield of solar panels, leading to more cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions.
The semi-transparent solar cells also promise to bring solar power into new domains, such as building or vehicle integration and agri-photovoltaics, where solar panels can coexist with agricultural production.
Hi-BITS aims to address sustainability and circularity by lowering the raw material consumption and ensuring better recycling processes. Additionally, it strengthens the European PV value chain, reducing dependence on non-European suppliers and creating new opportunities for innovation and job creation across the continent.