Coatings for Solar Technology

An Active & Passive Approach for Higher Solar Performance

Our technology options include an advanced, active perovskite layer and a low cost, passive, Photonic Smart Coating - both capable of better managing the solar spectrum for higher solar module power density.

In conventional solar panels, ultra violet light typically does not get converted to electricity, but results in wasted heat, degrading solar cell performance over time. Through application of both these approaches in a tandem solar module, connected by a smart junction box, higher energy efficiency and density is achieved by capturing a greater range of the spectrum.

THE PROBLEM

Most photonic processes are inconsistent.

We’re changing that, one solar module at a time.

Different frequencies can be beneficial or detrimental depending upon the application. For example, UV light enhances growth in some crops and promotes Vitamin D creation in humans. However, it is also destructive. If allowed to penetrate solar modules, UV will cause micro-cracking in the photovoltaic cells leading to energy loss due to wasted heat.

OUR SOLUTION

Active Approach

Tandem Cell Technology with Perovskite Photovoltaics (PPV)

Perovskites are a material class with specialized molecular structure and characteristics that makes it very efficient at absorbing high-energy photons in the Ultra Violet spectrum.

In a solar module, the tandem active perovskite layer, working in combination with the silicon cell, converts more of the available energy across the wavelength range from the sunlight into electrons.

Passive Approach

Photonic Smart Coatings (PSC™️)

PSC’s are a proprietary stack of materials, coated on the glass, that “downshifts” the higher energy Ultra Violet Light into Infrared Light.

This passive approach creates the optimum wavelength for conversion to electricity for solar modules while avoiding costly materials.

THE BENEFITS

Increase Efficiency and Longevity of Solar Modules.  

The process of downshifting, or down-conversion, is not a new concept. However, historical efforts involved costly, hazardous materials and improvement losses which proved non-scalable and commercially non-viable. We created our proprietary technology to have the following benefits:

  • Increase the efficiency of solar modules

  • Lowers the Nominal Operating Cell Temperature

  • Reduces the degrading of the solar cell

  • Increases longevity of solar modules — reducing their lifetime cost

  • Promotes the adoption of renewable solar power

The R&D Behind our work.

We’ve invested in cutting-edge lab technology — allowing us to produce and test solar module coatings efficiently and effectively.

  • Spincoater

    Spreads liquid solutions or dispersions of materials onto substrates for subsequent characterization of optical properties.

  • Labconco Vent Hood and Chem Mix Area

    Provide safe environment for handling volatile chemicals, cleaning substrates and preparing solutions for testing and coating.

  • Horiba Fluorometer

    Measures the fluorescence or light emitted by different fluorescing objects and materials.

  • Newport Oriel Sol3A Solar Simulator

    Provides simulation of solar irradiation in a lab environment to test optical and electronic properties of coatings and solar cells.

  • Photoluminescence Tool Setup

    Laser and sunlight illumination is used to characterize and quantify the photoluminescence of powders and coated materials.

  • FilmSense Ellipsometer

    Used to characterize the optical constants in bare substrates and coated materials and provides modeling to estimate the coating thickness of an applied material.

  • Profilometer

    Used to physically measure the thickness of films coated on substrates.

  • Ossila Resistance Meter

    Used to measure the effect of coatings on surface electrical properties that interact with optoelectronic output.

  • Filmetrics Reflectometer

    Used to measure the optical qualities of substrates and coated materials for transparency, reflection and absorption and estimate optical constant and multilayer and multi-material thicknesses.

  • Allwin Annealer

    Rapid, high temperature processing of coated substrates.

  • KDF 654 Sputter Coater

    Provides ability to sputter coat thin films of up to 4 different oxides and metallic materials in various combinations onto substrates under high vacuum.

  • Ultrasonic Substrate Cleaning System

    Uses ultrasonic waves and detergents to clean glass and other substrates in preparation for coating and treatment. Requires specially processed deionized water supply.

  • Laminator

    Utilized to layup and assemble fully integrated mini solar modules including coated glass, adhesive and solar cells into solar modules for simulation and field testing.

Powering the Planet with Green Energy.

Powering the Planet with Green Energy.

As of 2020, 80 countries have signed ‘The Paris Agreement’ – the largest International Treaty on Climate Change in history. It means countries will require new energy standards to curb Carbon Emissions and try to combat the increasingly deadly and destructive impact of an ever-warming planet. Our goal at SunDensity is to make a contribution to this effort through increasing the adoption of renewable solar energy.

Ready to boost your Solar Power?

Harness the power of SunDensity’s groundbreaking technology to enhance solar efficiency, reduce costs, and combat climate change. It’s time to take the next step toward a sustainable future. Get in touch with us today for more information, inquiries, or any questions you may have.