An Integrated Assessment of Next Generation PV Technologies

Joseph Wikar; Nicholas White; Tyler Body; Michael Vullo; Leanna Tse; Sourav Biswas; Joaquin Carbonara; Saquib Ahmed

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11

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An Integrated Assessment of Next Generation PV Technologies

Joseph Wikar, Nicholas White, Tyler Body, Michael Vullo, Leanna Tse, Sourav Biswas, Joaquin Carbonara, Saquib Ahmed

Published in American Journal of Energy Engineering (Volume 11, Issue 4)

Received: 30 August 2023 Accepted: 26 September 2023 Published: 9 October 2023

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Abstract

In this study, next generation photovoltaic (PV) materials will be assessed for their viability as the top layer alternatives over crystalline Silicon (c-Si) as the bottom layer in a tandem device architecture. Such a design is critical to ensure effective capture of a broader range of the electromagnetic spectrum, leading to higher value for money and thereby a competitive advantage in the renewable energy market. These evaluations will be conducted through a holistic lens – in understanding not only the science and engineering aspects of a given technology, but through economic viability analyses and considering the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of it as well. Lastly, with the rapid development of data science – in particular Machine Learning – techniques over the past decade, these new technologies can be smartly modulated to find optimal compositions and fabrication methods that ensure high performance, low cost, and minimal concerns ethically. In the current study, five candidates – CdTe, perovskites, CIGS, CZTS, and a-Si – will be analyzed through these given outlooks and critically gauged against each other to determine their relative strengths and weaknesses. Standard metrics from each outlook domain will be utilized for assessment: from the science and engineering perspective, these will include device stability, degradability, and power conversion efficiency (PCE); price per watt (PPW) and levelized cost of efficiency (LCOE) will be employed for economic viability analyses; acquisition of materials together with toxicity concerns during production and disposal will be probed for ELSI review. It is imperative for the PV industry to adopt this comprehensive approach in its materials’ choices and assessments to ensure a mature and sustained growth.

Published in	American Journal of Energy Engineering (Volume 11, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11
Page(s)	100-109
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Next Generation PVs, Solar, Tandem, Economic Viability, Machine Learning, ELSI

References

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APA Style

Joseph Wikar, Nicholas White, Tyler Body, Michael Vullo, Leanna Tse, et al. (2023). An Integrated Assessment of Next Generation PV Technologies. American Journal of Energy Engineering, 11(4), 100-109. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11

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ACS Style

Joseph Wikar; Nicholas White; Tyler Body; Michael Vullo; Leanna Tse, et al. An Integrated Assessment of Next Generation PV Technologies. Am. J. Energy Eng. 2023, 11(4), 100-109. doi: 10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11

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AMA Style

Joseph Wikar, Nicholas White, Tyler Body, Michael Vullo, Leanna Tse, et al. An Integrated Assessment of Next Generation PV Technologies. Am J Energy Eng. 2023;11(4):100-109. doi: 10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11,
  author = {Joseph Wikar and Nicholas White and Tyler Body and Michael Vullo and Leanna Tse and Sourav Biswas and Joaquin Carbonara and Saquib Ahmed},
  title = {An Integrated Assessment of Next Generation PV Technologies},
  journal = {American Journal of Energy Engineering},
  volume = {11},
  number = {4},
  pages = {100-109},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajee.20231104.11},
  abstract = {In this study, next generation photovoltaic (PV) materials will be assessed for their viability as the top layer alternatives over crystalline Silicon (c-Si) as the bottom layer in a tandem device architecture. Such a design is critical to ensure effective capture of a broader range of the electromagnetic spectrum, leading to higher value for money and thereby a competitive advantage in the renewable energy market. These evaluations will be conducted through a holistic lens – in understanding not only the science and engineering aspects of a given technology, but through economic viability analyses and considering the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of it as well. Lastly, with the rapid development of data science – in particular Machine Learning – techniques over the past decade, these new technologies can be smartly modulated to find optimal compositions and fabrication methods that ensure high performance, low cost, and minimal concerns ethically. In the current study, five candidates – CdTe, perovskites, CIGS, CZTS, and a-Si – will be analyzed through these given outlooks and critically gauged against each other to determine their relative strengths and weaknesses. Standard metrics from each outlook domain will be utilized for assessment: from the science and engineering perspective, these will include device stability, degradability, and power conversion efficiency (PCE); price per watt (PPW) and levelized cost of efficiency (LCOE) will be employed for economic viability analyses; acquisition of materials together with toxicity concerns during production and disposal will be probed for ELSI review. It is imperative for the PV industry to adopt this comprehensive approach in its materials’ choices and assessments to ensure a mature and sustained growth.},
 year = {2023}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - An Integrated Assessment of Next Generation PV Technologies
AU  - Joseph Wikar
AU  - Nicholas White
AU  - Tyler Body
AU  - Michael Vullo
AU  - Leanna Tse
AU  - Sourav Biswas
AU  - Joaquin Carbonara
AU  - Saquib Ahmed
Y1  - 2023/10/09
PY  - 2023
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11
T2  - American Journal of Energy Engineering
JF  - American Journal of Energy Engineering
JO  - American Journal of Energy Engineering
SP  - 100
EP  - 109
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2329-163X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11
AB  - In this study, next generation photovoltaic (PV) materials will be assessed for their viability as the top layer alternatives over crystalline Silicon (c-Si) as the bottom layer in a tandem device architecture. Such a design is critical to ensure effective capture of a broader range of the electromagnetic spectrum, leading to higher value for money and thereby a competitive advantage in the renewable energy market. These evaluations will be conducted through a holistic lens – in understanding not only the science and engineering aspects of a given technology, but through economic viability analyses and considering the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of it as well. Lastly, with the rapid development of data science – in particular Machine Learning – techniques over the past decade, these new technologies can be smartly modulated to find optimal compositions and fabrication methods that ensure high performance, low cost, and minimal concerns ethically. In the current study, five candidates – CdTe, perovskites, CIGS, CZTS, and a-Si – will be analyzed through these given outlooks and critically gauged against each other to determine their relative strengths and weaknesses. Standard metrics from each outlook domain will be utilized for assessment: from the science and engineering perspective, these will include device stability, degradability, and power conversion efficiency (PCE); price per watt (PPW) and levelized cost of efficiency (LCOE) will be employed for economic viability analyses; acquisition of materials together with toxicity concerns during production and disposal will be probed for ELSI review. It is imperative for the PV industry to adopt this comprehensive approach in its materials’ choices and assessments to ensure a mature and sustained growth.
VL  - 11
IS  - 4
ER  -

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Author Information

Joseph Wikar

Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Center for Integrated Studies in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, State University of New York – Buffalo State University, Buffalo, USA
Nicholas White

Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Center for Integrated Studies in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, State University of New York – Buffalo State University, Buffalo, USA
Tyler Body

Department of Mathematics, Data Sciences and Analytics, Center for Integrated Studies in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, State University of New York – Buffalo State University, Buffalo, USA
Michael Vullo

Department of Chemistry, Center for Integrated Studies in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, State University of New York – Buffalo State University, Buffalo, USA
Leanna Tse

Department of Electrical Engineering Technology, Center for Integrated Studies in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, State University of New York – Buffalo State University, Buffalo, USA
Sourav Biswas

Department of Chemistry, Center for Integrated Studies in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, State University of New York – Buffalo State University, Buffalo, USA
Joaquin Carbonara

Department of Mathematics, Data Sciences and Analytics, Center for Integrated Studies in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, State University of New York – Buffalo State University, Buffalo, USA
Saquib Ahmed

Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Center for Integrated Studies in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, State University of New York – Buffalo State University, Buffalo, USA

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Joseph Wikar, Nicholas White, Tyler Body, Michael Vullo, Leanna Tse, et al. (2023). An Integrated Assessment of Next Generation PV Technologies. American Journal of Energy Engineering, 11(4), 100-109. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11

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ACS Style

Joseph Wikar; Nicholas White; Tyler Body; Michael Vullo; Leanna Tse, et al. An Integrated Assessment of Next Generation PV Technologies. Am. J. Energy Eng. 2023, 11(4), 100-109. doi: 10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11

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AMA Style

Joseph Wikar, Nicholas White, Tyler Body, Michael Vullo, Leanna Tse, et al. An Integrated Assessment of Next Generation PV Technologies. Am J Energy Eng. 2023;11(4):100-109. doi: 10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11,
  author = {Joseph Wikar and Nicholas White and Tyler Body and Michael Vullo and Leanna Tse and Sourav Biswas and Joaquin Carbonara and Saquib Ahmed},
  title = {An Integrated Assessment of Next Generation PV Technologies},
  journal = {American Journal of Energy Engineering},
  volume = {11},
  number = {4},
  pages = {100-109},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajee.20231104.11},
  abstract = {In this study, next generation photovoltaic (PV) materials will be assessed for their viability as the top layer alternatives over crystalline Silicon (c-Si) as the bottom layer in a tandem device architecture. Such a design is critical to ensure effective capture of a broader range of the electromagnetic spectrum, leading to higher value for money and thereby a competitive advantage in the renewable energy market. These evaluations will be conducted through a holistic lens – in understanding not only the science and engineering aspects of a given technology, but through economic viability analyses and considering the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of it as well. Lastly, with the rapid development of data science – in particular Machine Learning – techniques over the past decade, these new technologies can be smartly modulated to find optimal compositions and fabrication methods that ensure high performance, low cost, and minimal concerns ethically. In the current study, five candidates – CdTe, perovskites, CIGS, CZTS, and a-Si – will be analyzed through these given outlooks and critically gauged against each other to determine their relative strengths and weaknesses. Standard metrics from each outlook domain will be utilized for assessment: from the science and engineering perspective, these will include device stability, degradability, and power conversion efficiency (PCE); price per watt (PPW) and levelized cost of efficiency (LCOE) will be employed for economic viability analyses; acquisition of materials together with toxicity concerns during production and disposal will be probed for ELSI review. It is imperative for the PV industry to adopt this comprehensive approach in its materials’ choices and assessments to ensure a mature and sustained growth.},
 year = {2023}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - An Integrated Assessment of Next Generation PV Technologies
AU  - Joseph Wikar
AU  - Nicholas White
AU  - Tyler Body
AU  - Michael Vullo
AU  - Leanna Tse
AU  - Sourav Biswas
AU  - Joaquin Carbonara
AU  - Saquib Ahmed
Y1  - 2023/10/09
PY  - 2023
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11
T2  - American Journal of Energy Engineering
JF  - American Journal of Energy Engineering
JO  - American Journal of Energy Engineering
SP  - 100
EP  - 109
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2329-163X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.11
AB  - In this study, next generation photovoltaic (PV) materials will be assessed for their viability as the top layer alternatives over crystalline Silicon (c-Si) as the bottom layer in a tandem device architecture. Such a design is critical to ensure effective capture of a broader range of the electromagnetic spectrum, leading to higher value for money and thereby a competitive advantage in the renewable energy market. These evaluations will be conducted through a holistic lens – in understanding not only the science and engineering aspects of a given technology, but through economic viability analyses and considering the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of it as well. Lastly, with the rapid development of data science – in particular Machine Learning – techniques over the past decade, these new technologies can be smartly modulated to find optimal compositions and fabrication methods that ensure high performance, low cost, and minimal concerns ethically. In the current study, five candidates – CdTe, perovskites, CIGS, CZTS, and a-Si – will be analyzed through these given outlooks and critically gauged against each other to determine their relative strengths and weaknesses. Standard metrics from each outlook domain will be utilized for assessment: from the science and engineering perspective, these will include device stability, degradability, and power conversion efficiency (PCE); price per watt (PPW) and levelized cost of efficiency (LCOE) will be employed for economic viability analyses; acquisition of materials together with toxicity concerns during production and disposal will be probed for ELSI review. It is imperative for the PV industry to adopt this comprehensive approach in its materials’ choices and assessments to ensure a mature and sustained growth.
VL  - 11
IS  - 4
ER  -

Copy | Download