Solar energy

Solar energy technologies
Solar energy technologies directly convert sunlight into electricity and heat, or power chemical reactions that convert simple molecules into synthetic chemicals and fuels. The sun is by far the most abundant source of energy, and a sustainable society will need to rely on solar energy as one of its major energy sources.

Risø carries out research on future generations of photovoltaic technologies (PV) and in particular polymer solar cells. In addition, we look into other means of utilizing sunlight; for instance to reduce carbon dioxide to synthetic fuels (solar fuels).

Solar energy is a focus point in many strategies for a sustainable energy supply. The European Commission’s Strategic Energy Plan (SET-plan) envisages a Solar Europe Initiative, where photovoltaics and concentrated solar power (CSP) supply as much power as wind mills in the future.

Polymer solar Cells
Silicon solar cells are efficient, but expensive. Therefore, they are not a competitive alternative to the combustion technology at the moment. Certain plastic materials are also able to convert the sun’s rays into electricity; they are far cheaper than silicon, but not as efficient and durable yet.

Risøs research and development in this field aims at simultaneously improving the durability, efficiency and production methods of plastic solar cells. Risø has on several occasions demonstrated the technology in public and on a large scale. We are international frontrunner here with exhibition of the technology at the Roskilde Festival, at London Science Museum, in Sankt James in London, and at Samsø Energy Academy. Demonstrations are drivers for awareness, innovation, and market opportunities. Recently, we demonstrated large polymer solar cell panels and our plans aims for demonstrations on a scale that equals the total installed photovoltaic capacity in Denmark.		   Polymer solar cells is regarded the most promising candidate for future ultra low cost solar cells for bulk energy production. Central to the realization of this technology breakthrough is the improvement of polymer solar cell lifetime. Risø has a strong research effort on characterizing, understanding and improving lifetime. The many lessons learned through the first steps of large scale production are and will become essential for improving lifetime while maintaining a cost efficient production.

The market and energy supply potential of polymer solar cells is enormous if they emerge as durable ultra low cost solar cells.

Polymer solar cells are ten times less efficient than the best single crystalline solar cells and they also last ten times shorter. Yes, we expect efficiency and lifetime to improve drastically, but have one thing in your mind: High speed roll-to-roll printing of polymer solar cells may potentially produce as many square meters of solar cells in an hour as a crystalline Silicon solar cell plant produces a year.

Peter Sommer-Larsen
Head of Programme
Solar Energy Programme (SOL)
Dir tel+45 4677 4744