For the duration of a three-year collaborative research project, Suntech Power, Silex Solar and the University of New South Wales will research advanced technology for the enhancement of power conversion efficiencies in crystalline silicon solar cells. AU$5 million was granted to the project from the Australian Solar Institute, making this the largest grant for any grant applicant in the ASI funding call.
“Silex Solar and UNSW are ideal partners for this solar research project, made possible by the vision and leadership of the Australian Solar Institute. Our long-term research collaborations with Australian organizations are central to driving solar innovation,” said Zhengrong Shi, chairman and CEO of Suntech, a graduate of UNSW, as well as a fellow at the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE). “As our earth suffers under the strains of fossil fuel energy production, we are empowering individuals and communities in Australia and around the world to look up and harness nature’s cleanest and most abundant energy resource.”
Silex Solar and Suntech are committed to contributing an added AU$6 million in direct funding and in-kind resources over the three-year project. The project will focus on the development of advanced solar-cell device designs and high-volume cell manufacturing processes for advancements in performance and cost reduction.
