New Research Will Shape Future of Green Economy “Semiconductors
Using Nanostructures for Record Increases in Solar-cell
Efficiency” (SUNRISE) is a project that will benefit both the
green economy and those eager to make solar energy more
efficient. The SUNRISE project is primarily funded by the NRC,
the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, and the
Business Development Bank of Canada. Its purpose is to test
nanostructures for their ability to increase output from
concentrator PV cells. The solar cells used in the project are
designed to capture and convert a much wider portion of the
light spectrum than traditional panels – from X-rays, through
the visible light spectrum, into the infrared range. Students
preparing for renewable energy careers at the University of
Ottawa and L’Université de Sherbrooke in Quebec will analyze the
experimental data – if the project succeeds, these students’
careers could prove to be quite lucrative given how in-demand
solar energy expertise is throughout the country