Leitat’s mission to manage technologies to transfer social, environmental, economic and industrial sustainable value for companies and entities cannot be dissociated from solar photovoltaics, which has rapidly moved into the mainstream of the energy system. As solar PV energy is at the heart of Leitat’s vision, we support the R&I pillar of the “EU Solar PV Industry Alliance” -of which Leitat is member- being fully aligned with the European Union’s goal to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 carrying out the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU.
OUR EXPERTISE
Raw Materials
Photovoltaic experts from Leitat carry out R&D to improve the performance, lifetime and sustainability of PV solutions. Our researchers, together with Leitat’s ad hoc laboratories, support other research centers, companies and manufacturers by developing advanced PV technologies and manufacturing processes to facilitate the build-up of a large-scale PV manufacturing capacity in Europe. Our work covers most of the PV value chain, from raw materials up to tailored integrated applications, in conjunction with the performance of environmental and economic assessments (APOLO) along the whole value chain.
PV cells
At greater length, Leitat contributes to the analysis of the key raw materials of the PV value chain as well as to the valorisation routes of PV end-of-life, e.g. silver and glass recovery (PV4INKS). With respect to PV cells, Leitat’s research is centered around the characterization and validation of PV cells together with performing stability tests and integrating low cost and flexible perovskite solar cells for PV integrated applications (APOLO and GoPV).
PV modules
Fully committed to the next stage of the PV value chain –PV modules–, Leitat has gained valuable experience in the formulation, application and characterization of nano-enhanced paints and anti–soiling coatings (APOLO, NewSkin, PIRECO) through automated processes with low energy consumption. Analysis of the sustainability of these coatings and paints is also performed by Leitat along with a complete study of non-toxic precursor solvents and additives (APOLO) and the implementation of the HPS approach for the development of green inks (APOLO, MatHero). Leitat also focuses on the testing, characterization and validation of PV modules (COCPIT, APOLO, GoPV, MatHero), in addition to their optical modelling (EMPOWER) and the improvement of the flexible encapsulation of PV modules (MatHero). Not least of all, Leitat has gained momentum in the PV manufacturing sector through the manufacturing of metal structures with 3D fixation for PV modules (GoPV) and improved manufacturing processes, such as roll to roll printing and green solvent processes (APOLO), OLED and thin film and organic PV printing (OLEDSOLAR), PSC rigid minimodules printing processes (CONNECT), the automatization of the manufacturing processes (GoPV) and the development of virtual vertically integrated PV production lines, along with data integration, optimisation and machine learning algorithms for design improvement and O&M activities (EMPOWER).
Systems
Concerning the last stage of the PV value chain -systems-, Leitat devotes its expertise to integrated PV applications, such as BIPV or AgriPV, in collaboration with PV manufacturers (APOLO). Concerning BIPV, Leitat is equally engaged both in terms of engineering and in architectural terms through the development of constructive elements that generate photovoltaic electrical energy (Solar Brick) and flexible, durable and competitive smart windows which meet the requirements of visual and thermal comfort, in addition to saving energy (FLEXOCHROMICS). As regards to AgriPV, Leitat studies its impact of optimizes its operation (AGRISOL, Smart PVwine). Last but not least, Leitat is involved in developing next-generation smart grid by integrating PV and smart charging infrastructure into current smart-grid architecture concepts (PROGRESSUS).
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Leitat can help you strengthen your innovation towards a sustainable PV value chain and accompany the European PV Industry.
Contact us now!
MEET US AT EU PVSEC 2024 IN VIENNA!
EU PVSEC 2024, the 41st edition, will take place from 23 – 27 September in ACV Austria Center Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Leitat’s Energy Area Manager & Business Development Manager -Immaculada Miracle Montserrat- and Solar PV Technical Expert and Manager -Michele Manca- will attend the event representing Leitat as a member of the European PV stakeholder ecosystem.
Meet us in EU PVSEC in Vienna to discuss -together with industry stakeholders- PV innovations and new concepts in the upstream PV sector!
