Materials Testing – Earth Abundant Textured Thin Film Photovoltaics

Principal Investigator: Dr. Jud Ready
Affiliation: Georgia Institute of Technology
Improving solar cells to increase cost effectiveness and energy efficiency. Past research using this solar-cell design, which uses lightweight carbon nanotubes, showed an increased ability to efficiently capture photons from the sun to create energy. The solar-cell material to be tested on the space station is lighter weight and less costly to manufacture compared to previous designs because it is more abundant and less toxic. In addition, an improved textured design will more efficiently trap energy from the sun.