Meng Tao

Abstract:

Global power demands are projected to reach 46 terawatts by 2100. Solar photovoltaics has to reach a scale of tens of peak terawatts in order to meet a meaningful portion of the demands. The enormous scale required creates a number of roadblocks for photovoltaic technologies, which are unprecedented in other semiconductor technologies. Some of the roadblocks include scarce raw materials used in today's solar cells, high energy input for silicon solar cells, life-cycle management of solar modules, storage of intermittent solar electricity, and high production/installation costs for solar cells/modules. In this talk an analysis will be presented, as quantitatively as possible, on some of these roadblocks under the best scenarios, i.e. the maximum possible wattage from each of the current commercial cell technologies. It is concluded that without significant technological breakthroughs, the current commercial cell technologies combined would not be able to make a noticeable impact on our energy mix or carbon emissions. Based on this analysis, several strategic R&D directions are identified for a scalable and sustainable solar photovoltaic technology.