The second International Conference on Silicon Photovoltaics began on April 3, 2012 at Leuven. This scientific conference focuses on state-of-the-art crystalline silicon solar cell technology.
Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC), a R&D center for nanotechnology with special expertise in photovoltaics (PV), is hosting the conference. The conference includes lecture sessions, paper and poster presentations and discussions between experts.
Following the first conference held at Freiburg, Germany, the second conference will also give importance to science and technology of advanced crystalline silicon (Si) solar cells, its properties and modules and will focus on the impact of the crystalline Si substrate on the function of crystalline Si solar cells. A global committee, comprising researchers from prominent R&D institutes and industries, has chosen the best abstracts for the conference.
For the past 10 years, the market for photovoltaic has increased tremendously and currently, the global turnover has crossed over $50 billion per year. Most of the solar cells are produced using crystalline silicon and in the forthcoming years, the PV cells based on crystalline silicon will take over a major share in the market sector. Further research is required in this field to decrease cost, increase efficacy and sustainability of the solar cell technology.
According to Jef Poortmans, IMEC’s Director for photovoltaic activities and Program Chairman of the Conference, only integration of intensive scientific understanding and applied research will help the development of crystalline Si solar cells. The researchers in this field and industrial R&D scientists are brought together through this conference, which helps the stakeholders to communicate and associate with each other.