Translucent photovoltaic blinds: a novel solution for solar energy harvesting using perovskite

Climate change has been a top concern of Canadians for the past several years. Canada is among 3 top global CO2 emitters per capita. Our goal is to develop and commercialize a viable solar energy harvesting system to help Canada decarbonize its economy.
Amorphous silicon has the most mature technology in the photovoltaic market. Silicon solar cells are mostly used in solar farms or installed on roofs. Their installation is not only costly, but also requires architectural modifications preventing tenants from using solar panels due to the lack or limited permission for any architectural changes.
We are developing a new cost-effective material, perovskite, to replace silicon and use it to fabricate photovoltaic blinds. By installing the blinds behind windows, we can use sustainable solar power to generate electricity. No architectural changes are required. Photovoltaic blinds also reduce energy cost for heating and cooling during winter and summer.

Faculty Supervisor:

Makhsud Saidaminov

Student:

Deepak Thrithamarassery Gangadharan

Partner:

Solar-Ventures

Discipline:

Chemistry

Sector:

Energy

University:

University of Victoria