Oerlikon Solar's €16.7 million research project “Pepper” will receive a €9.4 million funding grant under the Framework Programme for Research of the European Union, coordinated by the DG Energy of the European Commission. The project, which began on September 1, is aimed at demonstrating high performance processes and equipment for thin-film silicon photovoltaics modules produced with lower costs, reduced material use, and an improved environmental-friendly production process.
The Photovoltaics Laboratory of the Institute of Microengineering at EPFL, the Universities of Northumbria and Patras, Bosch Solar Thin Film, Heliosphera, and Linde are also involved in the project.
“I am very pleased that Oerlikon Solar's research efforts are being recognized through this project selected for a FP7 grant by the DG Energy of the European Commission,” said Dr. Juerg Henz, CEO of Oerlikon Solar. “Driving down costs while raising the efficiency is key to economically viable solar power. With this impressive consortium of experienced research and industry leaders we will continue our path in making thin-film silicon the competitive, clean and sustainable energy source of tomorrow.”