SUNALGAE - Innovative process of enhancing the efficiency of solar panels through the use of algae

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Currently, the growth in solar energy capacity exceeds the growth in the total energy demand globally. However, due to high up-front costs and low efficiency, adoption of solar energy has been highly reliant on regulations and incentive programmes. As a result, innovation has focused on lowering cost and improving efficiency in order to further foster demand.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the SUNALGAE for LIFE project is to demonstrate a new, highly innovative algae material that leads to significant improvements in the efficiency of silicon-based and thin film solar panels. The aim is to construct a pilot production facility for the innovative algae material that uses recycled nutrients from a land-based fish farm.

In this way, the project will contribute to the transition towards a low-emission economy and to reaching the EU target of reducing by at least 40% greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared with 1990 levels. It will also contribute towards renewable energy and energy efficiency targets.

Expected results:

Algae concept demonstrated at the pilot production facility for up to 12 months;

At least a 4% enhancement of the power output of a silicon solar panel;

60% increase in efficiency of the transparent-type solar cell;

3.9 % reduction in costs compared to current state-of-the=art solar panels; and

Fast replication and commercialisation based on the results of the demonstration.