Semiconductor and Silicon Photovoltaics Group

 Solar power is one of the most environmentally favourable sources of energy, with an annual supply of over a billion TWhrs. The photovoltaics industry is beginning to exploit some of this significant potential, with over 23.5 GWp of new photovoltaic modules installed in 2011 and an average yearly growth rate of more than 40%. Silicon photovoltaics  in particular account for around 85% of new PV installations worldwide, it has also reached the point where, in some places, it can supply electricity below the price of the grid electricity. Silicon PV is therefore the key technology to provide the world with renewable, inexpensive and reliable energy.

 Silicon PV has essentially no resource limitations and with typical commercial cell efficiencies now exceeding 17.5% for multicrystalline and 19% for single crystal, silicon PV is, and will continue to be, a remarkably successful technology. However, there are many improvements still to be made, and these will ensure that silicon PV makes a substantial contribution to the world energy supply. 

 The SEMICONDUCTOR AND SILICON PHOTOVOLTAICS GROUP core research activities involve understanding the fundamental properties of semiconductor materials. Most of the Group’s recent research has been performed on silicon – not only a technological key material in worldwide solar cell production but also the material of choice for most electronic devices. For more information on research carried out in the group please visit our research pages.