A positive first year for the CSEM PV-center

The PV-center focusses on four main areas: developing PV cells and panels; product reliability; architectural integration; and managing and storing solar energy. It therefore aims to develop a number of "technological building blocks" which are extremely important to the solar panel manufacturing industry. These include developing high-yield (22.4%) crystalline solar cells in partnership with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Well aware of the importance of ensuring the long-term reliability of PV panels and reducing their cost, the PV-center is already able to propose some initial solutions: by exploiting possible synergies with CSEM's microtechnology and nanotechnology activities, it has developed new solar cells that function at very low luminosity. These could be incorporated into the wristwatches of the future.

One common criticism of PV panels is their unattractive appearance and the constraints on integrating them into the preexisting environment. With this in mind, the CSEM PV-center is already working with architects to develop new integration solutions that will convince even the most reluctant and help to establish solar energy for the long term. The PV-center also intends to tackle the problems connected with feeding large quantities of solar energy into the electricity and storage networks.

Since the start of 2013, almost 20 companies have placed orders with the PV-center resulting in research and production contracts worth more than CHF 4m. Interested industrial sectors include the machine tool market (production infrastructure and testing/quality control equipment), component manufacturers, electrical companies and architects, as well as integrators and installers of PV systems.

"The results obtained during this first year have surpassed all our expectations, both from a scientific and technological perspective and in terms of the number of collaborations set up with Swiss industry in the sector. Around thirty employees based in Neuchâtel and Muttenz are working to develop current and future solar technologies," comments Mario El-Khoury, CEO, CSEM.

Professor Christophe Ballif, Director, PV-center CSEM in Neuchâtel, commented: "Although a very encouraging and promising start has been made, there is still plenty of work to be done in terms of informing and persuading people - and this includes experts as much as the general public. Solar energy is going to become a major source of electricity, and it already costs no more than a few cents per kWh in some parts of the world. The market is growing strongly again and we have a huge pool of ideas that will ensure a successful future not only for our centre, but for the entire country."