The NPT aims to provide a unique venue for collaborative research on photovoltaic technology. Developing broadly applicable, “technology agnostic” solutions by addressing technology-specific problems is the goal. Understanding gained in research will be embedded in end-to-end modeling capabilities that includes process, device, characterization, reliability, and systems. The NPT aims to become an international center of gravity for PV research that connects islands of excellence, engages a variety of disciplines in industry and universities, and promotes discussion, collaboration, dissemination, and technology transfer. NPT will also provide a global forum for industry-university dialog and an exceptional, industry-relevant experience for students.
Photovoltaic (solar cell) technology has great potential for contributing to the world’s need for new sources of environmentally clean and sustainable energy.
Solar cell R&D and manufacturing is fragmented according to technology (e.g. crystalline, thin-film, 1-sun, concentrator, etc.) and discipline (e.g. chemistry, materials science, electrical engineering, etc.). Common problems are not recognized and the critical mass needed for effective solutions is hard to achieve. University-industry-federal lab communication needs to be stronger.
A “technology agnostic” philosophy – general solutions developed by solving specific problems.
End-to-end solutions – from process and materials, to devices, reliability, and systems
The PVhub is part of the nanoHUB network. Making use of nanoHUB/HUBzero cyberinfrastructure, it supports the work of the NPT through a science gateway that provide services for dissemination, education, collaboration and technology transfer. The signature service is the ability to deliver simulation services through a standard web browser with no need to download, install, or support software.
Through the Semiconductor Research Corporation’s Energy Research Initiartive, a global consortium of companies funds NPT research on a broad range of industry-relevant research on PV technology. See http://www.src.org/program/eri/
The U.S. National Science Foundation’s Network for Computational Nanotechnology seed funds the research that lead to the creation of the NPT, and it’s science gateway, nanoHUB.org has become a major venue for dissemination of resources for research, education, and collaboration. See http://www.ncn.purdue.edu/