Enhancing the efficiency of solar cells and solar panels with bio-based material from algae stage 2

Research Project, 2020 – 2022

Purpose and goal: The goal for the second phase of the project is to develop industrial coatings of frustules on solar cells and solar panels and to reach further towards market introduction. This will be achieved by deepening the knowledge of the enhancing effect of frustules on solar cells and solar panels and how this relates to coating formulation. The work will be done in cooperation with academic experts in surface chemistry (Chalmers) and by evaluating the experimental results in cooperation with industrial partners within solar- and industrial coating technology. Expected results and effects: SAFAB’s commercial offering will be improved by a systematic development of formulations and coatings in cooperation with academic and industrial partners. This will give SAFAB a unique opportunity to extend its offering from being a raw material supplier to also include expertise regarding formulation- and coating technology. The solar industry requires extensive documentation for introducing new technologies and the collection of verified statistical data is therefore an important part of the project. Approach and implementation: The work within the project will be divided in six work packages (WP) WP1: Formulation and coating with frustules WP2: Optical characterisation WP3: Industrial coating technologies WP4: Electrical characterisation WP5: Production optimization WP6: Project management