Low-power PV

ExpectedOutcome:

Energy autonomous applications capable of generating their own energy by harvesting ambient energy from the environment to completely eliminate the need for a power source or at least assist it, have gained significant interest in recent years. Photovoltaic energy conversion is a viable choice for energy harvesting due to its high conversion efficiency and compatibility with low lighting conditions.

Consequently, project results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcome:

• Increase the potential of PV for low power, low irradiation applications (harvesting energy in low light intensity and/or artificial light conditions).

Scope:

Photovoltaic energy harvesting in low light conditions such as indoors, or under artificial or diffuse light can be used to power sensors, as well other low-power electronics. Efficient energy harvesting combined in an energy system with storage unit and low power electronics, can enable a wide range of applications, integrating new functionalities, for example autonomous sensors, domotics, remote monitoring, variable transmission applications and portable devices in general.

Proposals are expected to validate novel and low-environmental impact PV materials, PV architectures and suitable substrates for the specific low power applications that take into account the light intensity, light spectrum and application itself. PV system performance is expected to be tailored to meet the application-specific power and energy requirements and application – related standards. Proposals should include a clear definition of the use case and lifecycle considerations, e.g. business models, circularity by design aspects, certification, etc.

Applicants can seek possibilities of involving the EC JRC. The JRC may provide characterisation, validation and certification of the performance of photovoltaic solar devices. It may also perform pre-normative research to develop appropriate characterisation methods for such devices as a precursor to the adoption of international standards as well as addressing stability, lifetime and environmental issues. This task shall be performed within the European Solar Test Installation (ESTI) an accredited ISO17025 calibration laboratory for all photovoltaic technologies.

Specific Topic Conditions:

Activities are expected to achieve TRL 5-7 by the end of the project – see General Annex B.