THE PV ACADEMY

Speakers:
Prof. Ned Ekins-Daukes, UNSW
Dr Shona McNab, UNSW

This tutorial will cover the key principles of photovoltaic energy conversion. Starting from an idealised case, the theoretical limits of conversion efficiency are established. Then, the material requirements of the semiconductor absorber are considered to establish the properties needed for efficient energy conversion. The loss mechanisms in real materials are considered along with the standard techniques used to measure and understand these losses. Having established the fundamental operation of PV devices, a comparison of the mainstream and emerging technologies is presented, describing both the current status and challenges for these material groups. It will conclude with a brief consideration of the importance of stability for generating cheap electricity for the renewable energy transition.

Speakers:
Dr David Moser,  Becquerel Institute
Dr Teresa Barnes, NREL

This tutorial delivers a comprehensive introduction to photovoltaic module degradation and reliability. Within a focused 2.5-hour session, participants will explore key degradation mechanisms across various PV technologies, examine emerging trends affecting reliability, understand accelerated durability testing methodologies, and learn about degradation detection and analysis. The session balances theoretical foundations with practical insights using both physics-based and statistical approaches to degradation modeling. The tutorial will cover interpretation of diagnostic imagery, performance data analysis methods, and approaches to economic assessment of degradation impacts. This knowledge provides a solid foundation for research in PV reliability and performance optimization, connecting fundamental science with real-world applications.

Speakers:
Prof. Jenny Nelson, Imperial College
Dr Jan-Christoph Goldschmidt, University of Marburg

This tutorial will explore how photovoltaics (PV) can positively impact climate change mitigation: first, as a source of renewable electricity that can both displace fossil-fuel powered generation and enable the decarbonisation of other sectors through electrification; and second, as a major industry that can itself impact emissions levels.

We will consider the role of PV in decarbonisation pathways, examine how PV has become a cheap source of electricity and evaluate the potential of PV to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. We will take a hands-on, analytical approach to help participants understand how the deployment of clean technologies like PV translates into emissions reductions. In a second part, we will focus on the sustainability of the PV industry.

This tutorial aims to equip participants with a solid understanding of the role of PV in climate change mitigation and the related challenges, helping researchers, engineers, and policymakers to direct their activities to really make a difference for the climate.