The transition to clean energy is not just a technological challenge but is a global imperative. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, energy security, and rising global demand for electricity, solar energy offers a powerful solution that is both environmentally friendly and economically viable. The sun provides more energy in one hour than the world uses in a year. Solar power is virtually limitless and reduces dependence on finite fossil fuels. Photovoltaics (PV) is the science and technology of converting sunlight directly into electricity using semiconducting materials, and the most common device that utilizes this technology is the solar cell. The real challenge lies in reducing the cost of solar cells while raising their efficiency. Research and education on advanced PV materials and devices will play a significant role in accelerating the development of cost-effective PV. To address these issues, the Department of Energy (DOE) established the University Center of Excellence for Photovoltaics Research and Education (UCEP) at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The center, under the direction of Dr. Ajeet Rohatgi, reports through Georgia Tech’s Office of Interdisciplinary Programs.
The Photovoltaics program at Georgia Tech began in 1985 and became the nation’s first research and education center in 1992 due to its sustained contributions to the science and technology of PV. This center (UCEP) was sponsored and established by the Department of Energy for its interdisciplinary research ranging from PV materials and computer modeling to the design of high-efficiency cells, technology innovations, complete solar cell fabrication, as well as the design, performance, and economics of PV systems. These accomplishments are reflected in several world-record-high-efficiency silicon solar cells produced at Georgia Tech, along with the design and installation of the world’s largest rooftop PV System in 1996 on top of the Olympic Natatorium on campus. In addition, UCEP has graduated 40 Ph.D. students, published over 500 technical papers, received 20 U.S. patents, collaborated with more than 50 PV companies, and spun out a silicon solar cell manufacturing company, Suniva Inc. In 2020, the US PV Foundry was established to support PV technology in the USA, with support from the DOE.
UCEP at Georgia Tech is dedicated to advancing the science, engineering, and commercialization of photovoltaic technologies. The mission of this center is to improve the fundamental understanding of science and technology of advanced photovoltaic devices, provide training and enrich the educational experience of students and engineers in this field, conduct industry-relevant research through R&D and pilot production of high-efficiency commercial-ready silicon solar cells, and to give the U.S. a competitive edge by providing guidelines to industry and DOE for achieving cost-effective and high-efficiency PV devices.
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