UNSW Sydney has announced a new partnership with a leading Chinese photovoltaic production machinery manufacturer to develop the next generation of solar cells and fast-track their time to market.
The development of silicon solar cell technologies at UNSW’s Solar Industrial Research Facility is creating a ‘Southern Hemisphere version of Silicon Valley’, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said.
They’re flexible, cheap to produce and simple to make – which is why perovskites are the hottest new material in solar cell design. And now, UNSW engineers have smashed the world efficiency record.
Australian engineers have edged closer to the theoretical limits of sunlight-to-electricity conversion by photovoltaic cells with a device that sets a new world efficiency record.
‘Zero-energy’ buildings – which generate as much power as they consume – are now much closer after a UNSW team achieved the world’s highest efficiency using flexible solar cells that are non-toxic and cheap to make.
China's Minister for Science and Technology, His Excellency Dr Wan Gang, has praised Australia's commitment to innovative technological research during a visit to UNSW.
UNSW will play a lead role in making solar power cheaper and more efficient after securing major new funding from the federal government's Australian Solar Institute.
UNSW researchers have claimed an unprecedented six awards in the 2008 Eureka Prizes, the strongest showing by any institution in the 19-year history of the awards.
