ExpectedOutcome:
Photovoltaic power generation is pivotal in the transition to a clean energy system and the achievement of the zero-emissions target. To that end, it is important to enhance affordability, sustainability and exploit the modularity and synergies of application of PV technologies. Consequently, project results are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes:
- Demonstrate that automated manufacturing of integrated photovoltaics (IPV) can deliver cost competitive products assuming both the function of energy generators and of structural elements.
- Reinforce the European PV value chain, support local companies to develop and sell differentiated IPV products and create local jobs.
- Enable and facilitate large-scale integration of PV in buildings in line with the concept of “positive energy buildings”, in infrastructure, transport, agriculture, etc.
- Minimise the impact of PV on landscape and environment exploiting its modularity and synergies of use.
Scope:
“Integrated PV” stands for photovoltaics that are embedded into components fulfilling other functions. The most well-known and developed application currently is Building Integrated PV (BIPV), in which PV is integral part of construction elements (tiles, façades, cladding, …) and assembled to constitute a system replacing a conventional building envelope solution. However, other Integrated PV (IPV) solutions are markedly emerging, for example in infrastructure (IIPV), in the automotive industry (VIPV), in agriculture, etc. In addition to the overall PV goal of lowering the LCOE, IPV applications can bring the extra value of decentralized, point-of-use electricity generation and simultaneously fulfil another function such as of a roofing, facade or sound barrier. Progressively developing and having the potential for a world-wide market with huge opportunities for the European industry, manufacturing of customized IPV in series production concept needs to be developed to bring down the cost of Integrated PV allowing for largescale production and use.
The proposal should address all of the following:
- Demonstrate at pilot line level flexible automated manufacturing for:
- differentiated product design (format, different thicknesses of substrate and variations in the solar cell matrix, encapsulation material, front sheet, etc.) respecting freedom of design and aesthetics for various applications;
- integration of advanced robust techniques for inline process and quality control;
- equipment design easily adaptable to rapidly emerging novel cell and module technologies;
- high product efficiency and durability at competitive costs, in conformity with codes and standards of integrated photovoltaics (IPV) use.
- Implement Industry 4.0 concepts.
- Demonstrate a business case and a market introduction strategy.
- Facilitate the ‘renovation wave’ by establishing an active collaboration between the PV sector and the building industry for seamless industrial construction/renovation workflows.
- Address the following related aspects: low environmental impact, resource efficiency and circularity potential.
The proposal should involve multidisciplinary consortia including industrial partners.
Specific Topic Conditions:
Activities are expected to achieve TRL 7 by the end of the project – see General Annex B.
Cross-cutting Priorities:
Digital AgendaNew European BauhausArtificial Intelligence
