Next Generation Solar Technologies

Learn about the inventions and innovators powering the next generation solar technologies in this LexisNexis® Classification report.

The dominant PV technology today is the crystalline silicon-based cell. Making up somewhere in the region of 90% commercial market share, the benefits include the maturity of the technology, proven reliability and performance from over 50 years of use and availability of the raw material silicon.

In this, the second of a series to put a lens on the invention and innovations being made in critical technologies powering the energy transition, we take a look at next generation solar with a focus on new innovations specific to photovoltaic cells:

• Thin-film PV Cells: with about 10% market share and characterized by thin layers of photovoltaic materials deposited onto substrates such as glass or flexible plastic sheet. The principal types include Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), Amorphous Silicon and Cadmium Telluride (CdTe).
• Organic PV Cells: an emerging category that utilizes carbon-based semiconductors. Yet to be commercialized but attracting a lot of interest due to the relatively low cost and manufacturing flexibility. Key challenges to overcome include low power efficiency and short material life.
• Perovskite PV Cells: materials with the same crystal structures as calcium titanium oxide (CaTiO3). The first use as a photovoltaic material was in 2009 with rapid progress made in improving power conversion efficiency. Perovskites offer relatively high performance and low production cost potential. Whether you are an energy supplier, consumer, innovator or investor understanding in which technology areas the inventions are being made and who owns these inventions is the starting point for getting ahead and taking advantage of the changes that are coming

The new solar report, using a technology lens, focuses on new innovations specific to photovoltaic cells, and includes:

• Thin-film PV Cells
• Organic PV Cells
• Perovskite PV Cells
• Which companies are set up to be the key technology players of the future.

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