Physical characterization of solar cells

Contracting authority is publishing direct award notice for 'Physical characterization of solar cells'.

BACKGROUND INFO The research of the Hybrid Solar Cells (HSC) group focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of functional photovoltaic building blocks and their integration in hybrid 3rd generation solar cells, with a special focus on perovskite solar cells. The optimization of the solar cell activity is achieved by a deep understanding of the materials structure-property relationship through characterization of the photoactive materials and interfaces. Group’s multidisciplinary activities dealing with chemistry, photophysics, materials science, and device engineering are supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including two glove boxes, class A++A+A LED solar simulator, class-AAA Xe-lamp solar simulator, quantum efficiency setup (EQE/IQE), Litos Lite (parallel J-V and ISOS stability), source-monitor units, thermal evaporator, and more. HSC belongs to the Chemistry and Advanced Materials (CAM) cluster at the ENS faculty. Within CAM, we can access advanced spectroscopy facilities (e.g., steady-state absorption/photoluminescence, time-resolved PL, transient absorption). NEED HSC is acquiring a new system for in-depth understanding of electrical and optical characteristics of photovoltaics. The most important aspect of these, which laboratory currently does not have, is the ability to perform transient measurements of photocurrent and photovoltage. The system should also be able to measure impedance spectroscopy, capacitance-voltage curves and charge extraction properties of our photovoltaic devices, which would greatly improve our knowledge of the underlying electrical and optical behaviour of our materials and devices. HSC currently has a parallel JV and stability measurement device from Fluxim (Litos Lite), which allows us to perform basic characterization of properties of photovoltaic devices, such as IV curves and maximum power point tracking. The system to be acquired now would complement the measurements possible with the Litos Lite system. In the future, there’s a plan to acquire an automated measurement table system, where the light source or measurement system can be changed automatically, allowing a full characterization round of devices with one setup. Once HSC moves the laboratory into the new spaces currently being built on the Hervanta campus, groups is also planning to transfer some of measurement devices into nitrogen-filled glove box. This would allow to study new materials which are highly sensitive to the ambient environment. One possible new direction in our research in the future is simulation of our devices based on the measurement results, which would allow for efficient optimization of device structures and material choices, saving time and resources from having to go through all configurations experimentally. Data acquired from the PV characterization system to be purchased now is vital in this kind of simulation, and seamless integration of the measurement data and computational models is important. MARKET ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION FOR DIRECT AWARD HSC has conducted a market survey of commercially available measurement systems capable of the measurements specified above and identified two possible suppliers: Fluxim (Switzerland) and Cicci Research (Italy). Of these, the Paios system offered by Fluxim fulfills all the requirements we have for the characterization system. The Ariadne system offered by Cicci Research offers similar capabilities as well as some functionalities which we already have in the Litos Lite system (maximum power point tracking and stability measurements). University’s/HSC’s previous experience with Fluxim has been positive and support requests and questions have been responded to quickly and efficiently. The company has existed for 16 years, has over 35 employees, and is an established supplier in the field of simulation and characterization of displays, lighting and photovoltaic cells. In establishing the new measurement protocols and techniques with the new system, we expect to require prompt assistance from the supplier as well as continuing support in its usage. For this, we find the Fluxim system to be the only viable option for purchase. Additionally, Fluxim offers expansion modules such as the automated measurement table and a possibility for glovebox feedthough. They also offer a fully integrated software package (named SETFOS) for simulating devices based on the measurement results, which will be useful for us in the future. For the reasons stated above, only the specific supplier can be considered. Reasonable alternatives or substitute solutions do not exist, and the absence of competition is not due to an artificial narrowing of purchase conditions. The contracting authority has the right to set a quality level based on its own needs which products or services must implement.