Principal investigator: Jason Baxter
University: Drexel University
Industry partner: Vitro Architectural Glass
The solar energy industry is growing at more than 25% annually, which will require additional capacity for manufacturing ultra-clear flat glass panels. Vitro Glass has a long history in flat glass and coated glass manufacturing, which it has previously applied toward windows for the building and automotive industries. PI Baxter’s group at Drexel University has expertise in advanced solar cell characterization. In this project, Drexel and Vitro will evaluate the potential for using Vitro’s coated glass in a new market: thin-film solar cells. Specifically, we will identify how performance-limiting electronic processes in thin-film solar cells fabricated on Vitro glass depend on the composition and processing of both the glass and the coatings. Quantifying the potential for high-efficiency solar cells will contribute to Vitro’s evaluation of the risk and reward of building new flat glass lines in Pennsylvania that are dedicated to manufacturing ultra-clear coated glass for thin-film solar panels.