Graduate Student Solar Cell Class

Twelve students just finished the latest course on the manufacture of solar cells at ASU. At the completion of the course the students were able to complete the manufacture of high efficiency solar cells on the pilot line at the solar power labs. Half the students came from across the US as part of the QESST engineering research center, and the other half were from the SUN IGERT program at ASU.

Manufacturing Science of Solar Cells

In Fall 2012 ASU and QESST started a new class on the manufacture of silicon solar cells – the same type of cells used in nearly all solar photovoltaic systems installed worldwide. Students learn about modern techniques of solar cell fabrication in their classroom. Students also work as “virtual engineers” in the Virtual Solar Cell Factory – an online solar cell factory simulation – where they will have attempt to “save the company” using the manufacturing engineering science techniques being taught in their classroom.

ASU exceeds 15 MW

 

ASU continues to install photovoltaic systems across the constituent campuses. Presently over 15 MW of capacity are installed with an expected capacity of 17 MW by the end of 2012.

Milestones as of June 30, 2012:
Total Solar Generation Capacity:15.3 MW
Total Solar Systems: 58
(52 on Tempe campus; 2 on West campus; 2 on Downtown campus; 2 on Polytechnic campus)
Total Number of Panels and Collectors Installed: 61,203

The is more information on the individual systems at:

Student led pilot line

Men in WhiteThe silicon solar cell pilot line has been in operation for over a year. This month the line formally started operation as Testbed 1: Student Led Pilot line. Pictured on the right we have the Men in White. As part of their senior design thesis they will rescue solar cells from the ravages of low efficiency and slay the dragons of low yield.

The QESST will continue until finding the holy grail of high efficiency low cost solar cells in May next year.

QESST Center announced

The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced an award to Arizona State University and its partners to establish a new Engineering Research Center (ERC) jointly funded by NSF and the Department of Energy (DOE):  the NSF­-DOE ERC for Quantum Energy and Sustainable Solar Technologies (QESST).  QESST will develop interdisciplinary research and education programs to address a stubborn energy challenge -- how to realize a large-scale, sustainable, domestic energy source -- by developing advanced solar photovoltaic technologies and by providing the foundation for new industries