Scientists make breakthrough discovery that could revolutionize solar panels: ‘This opens the door’ – The Cool Down

Report on an Innovative Solar Cell Coating and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction: Advancing SDG 7 through Photovoltaic Innovation

Researchers at the University of New South Wales have developed and filed patents for an innovative silicon solar cell coating utilizing a photostable molecule, dipyrrolonaphthyridinedione (DPND). This technological advancement, based on the principle of singlet fission, promises to significantly enhance solar energy conversion efficiency. The development represents a critical step toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by making solar power more productive and accessible for large-scale deployment.

2.0 Technological Mechanism and Improvements

The core innovation lies in using the DPND molecule as a dye coating on silicon photovoltaic cells, which constitute approximately 95% of the current solar panel market. The technology’s primary mechanism and advantages are outlined below:

• Singlet Fission Process: Unlike conventional cells where one photon generates one electron-hole pair, singlet fission allows one high-energy photon to generate two excited electron-hole pairs. This effectively doubles the energy yield from the blue part of the solar spectrum.
• Material Stability: The DPND molecule overcomes the photochemical instability found in previous materials used for singlet fission, such as tetracene, making it suitable for commercial applications and contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
• Practical Application: The research provides a practical pathway to enhance silicon solar cells without the cost and complexity associated with tandem cell designs, facilitating easier adoption by the industry.

3.0 Projected Performance and Impact on Sustainability

The application of this patented coating is projected to yield substantial improvements in solar panel performance, directly supporting multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Enhanced Energy Conversion Efficiency: The technology could increase the efficiency of standard silicon modules from the current 20-25% to beyond 30%, with a theoretical potential of up to 42%. This directly supports SDG 7 by generating more clean energy from the same surface area.
2. Improved Durability and Resource Efficiency: The coating is expected to reduce the operating temperature of panels by approximately 36 degrees Celsius. This thermal regulation extends panel lifetimes by an estimated 4.5 years, promoting SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by reducing waste and the need for premature replacement.
3. Reduced System Costs: Higher efficiency means fewer panels are required to achieve a given energy output. This lowers the balance-of-system costs, making solar installations more affordable and economically viable.

4.0 Contribution to Broader Sustainable Development Agenda

The implications of this research extend beyond energy production, contributing to a wider range of global sustainability targets.

• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Higher-efficiency panels are ideal for space-constrained applications common in urban environments, such as residential rooftops and building-integrated photovoltaics. They also enhance the viability of charging electric vehicles at home, promoting sustainable transport.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): By significantly boosting the efficiency and lifespan of the world’s most common renewable energy technology, this innovation is a direct and impactful contribution to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The research also identified that photoluminescence from the singlet fission process can be used for monitoring and diagnostics in photovoltaic manufacturing, opening new avenues for quality control and optimization in the renewable energy industry.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article’s central theme is a technological breakthrough that significantly increases the efficiency of solar panels. This directly supports the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by making solar power, a key clean energy source, more effective and potentially cheaper (“lowering balance-of-system costs”).

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The article details a major scientific innovation from researchers at the University of New South Wales. The filing of patents and the development of a “practical pathway” for industry to trial this new technology highlight the promotion of scientific research and the upgrading of technological capabilities, which are central to this SDG.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article mentions specific applications of this technology that contribute to sustainable cities, such as “building-integrated photovoltaics” and the ability to “charge electric vehicles at home.” This supports the transition to sustainable transport and energy systems within urban environments.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The innovation contributes to this goal by improving resource efficiency. The article states that the technology could extend “panel lifetimes by approximately 4.5 years,” which promotes more sustainable production and consumption patterns by reducing waste and the need for frequent replacements.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  By boosting the efficiency and appeal of solar energy, the technology provides a powerful tool to combat climate change. The article explicitly contrasts clean energy-powered electric vehicles with “pollution-spewing gas-powered versions,” directly linking the innovation to climate change mitigation efforts.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

  The article’s focus on making solar cells more efficient (from “20% to 25%” to “beyond 30%”) would make solar energy a more competitive and attractive option, thereby helping to increase its share in the global energy mix.

• Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries…encouraging innovation.

  The research breakthrough by the UNSW team, the filing of patents, and the statement that “This opens the door to discovering and optimizing a wide range of new materials” are direct examples of enhancing scientific research and encouraging innovation in the clean energy sector.

• Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.

  The article connects the improved solar panel technology to making “electric vehicles more appealing to consumers.” This supports the development of sustainable transport systems by providing a cleaner way to power them.

• Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

  The technology improves the efficiency of solar panels, meaning more energy is generated from the same resources (sunlight, panel materials). Furthermore, extending panel lifetimes by 4.5 years directly contributes to the more efficient use of the natural resources required for their manufacturing.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Increase in energy conversion efficiency: The article provides specific figures that can be used as indicators. It states current silicon modules achieve “20% to 25% efficiency,” and the new technology could lift that “beyond 30%” with a potential of “up to 42%.” This quantifiable improvement measures progress towards more effective renewable energy (Target 7.2).
• Extension of product lifetime: The article mentions that the new design could extend “panel lifetimes by approximately 4.5 years.” This is a direct, measurable indicator of progress towards more sustainable production and consumption and efficient resource use (Target 12.2).
• Reduction in operating temperature: The claim that the technology could “reduce their operating temperature by about 36 degrees” is a technical indicator that leads to the outcomes of increased efficiency and longer lifetimes.
• Innovation and Research Output: The article mentions that “Patents have been filed” for the innovation. The number of patents filed for renewable energy technologies can serve as an indicator of progress in scientific research and innovation (Target 9.5).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: thecooldown.com