In this article we review developments in solar technology and consider how this technology may play a significant role in our path towards net zero.

Harnessing the sun

The International Energy Agency has highlighted the rapid growth in renewable energy production as countries seek to strengthen their energy security. Rapid growth in renewable energy production is also being driven by ambitious net-zero commitments.

Solar energy is a key component of renewable energy (alongside other sources, such as wind energy). Indeed, global solar photovoltaic (PV) power production, which is electricity converted from Sunlight, is set to triple in the period of 2022 to 2027, surpassing coal and becoming the largest source of power capacity in the world.

Given its rapid growth and increasing contribution to the energy budget, solar energy is poised to become an incredibly important player in the quest for net zero.

Generations of solar cells

Solar PV cells (solar cells) are devices which convert sunlight into electricity. There are several generations of solar cells; each generation is based on a different underlying technology.

First generation solar cells (“conventional” solar cells) are made of crystalline silicon and account for the largest proportion of commercially available solar cells. While first generation solar cells perform well in certain conditions there are a number of drawbacks associated with their use. One of the key drawbacks is their relatively limited conversion efficiency (the percentage of solar energy which can be converted into electricity). They are also quite bulky, which restricts their use to only specific types of applications.

Second generation solar cells are thin-film solar cells (often manufactured by depositing layers of photovoltaic material onto an underlying substrate). These cells are lighter and more flexible than the first generation solar cells (thus enabling use for a wider range of applications). However, they often have lower conversion efficiency than first generation solar cells.

Third generation solar cells are made from a variety of new materials. They aim to surpass the limited conversion efficiency of the first and second generation solar cells. Examples of third-generation solar cells include perovskite, quantum dot and dye-sensitised solar cells.

Given their potential to overcome drawbacks of the first and second generation solar cells it is likely that third generation solar cells will hold the key to maximising the potential of solar power as an energy source of the future.

Innovation

As with any technology, patents can be used as an indicator of innovation.

Solar cells, in general, are quite well established technology. The peak of international applications under the Patent Corporation Treaty (PCT), for applications relating to solar power, was reached in 2012. However, new patent filings are still observed for third generation solar cell technology, indicating continued innovation in this area. This marks a shift from the focus on traditional inorganic photovoltaic cells.

As an example, Olga Malinkiewzicz and her team have recently been shortlisted for as finalists for the European Inventor Award 2024 . They invented a new technology for printing flexible solar cells, which can be used in areas which would be beyond the reach of traditional solar panel cells. For example, these flexible solar cells can be used in the fabric of a building, such as on windows or facades. Moreover, these solar cells can also be used in consumer electronic devices.

Furthermore, there has also been a focus on technology for more cost-effective installation and operation of solar cells . This is an exciting development as it shows the interest in finding new and innovative ways in which solar cells can applied in the real world.

Future solar initiatives

Solar power is set to play a key role in the path to net zero. Maximising its potential will require continued development in emerging technology, including third generation solar cells.

Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to observe how these developments unfold. These developments are likely to shape not only the market for solar technology but also our broader approach to sustainable energy solutions in the quest to reach net zero.

Useful links

• International Energy Agency (IEA), “Renewable power’s growth is being turbocharged as countries seek to strengthen energy security”, 06 December 2022: dycip.com/renewable-power-growth-iea50
• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), “Patenting trends in renewable energy”, March 2020: dycip.com/patenting-trends-renewables-wipo
• European Patent Office (EPO) news release, “Printing thin and flexible solar cells to generate solar power: Polish physicist and team selected as finalists for the European Inventor Award 2024”, 15 May 2024: dycip.com/patenting-solar-cells-epo
• International Energy Agency (IEA), “Patents and the Energy Transition”, April 2021: dycip.com/patents-energy-transition-iea50