Sebastian Smits Wins Top Student Award for Solar Cell Breakthrough at PVSEC-35

November 29, 2024

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Sebastian (in red) at the awards ceremony

Sebastian Smits (photo: on stage in red), a PhD student from Delft University of Technology, was awarded the Great Student Award at the 35th International Photovoltaic Science and Engineering Conference (PVSEC-35) in Japan. 

Sebastian is part of the team led by Prof. Dr. Olindo Isabella, Head of the Photovoltaic Materials and Devices (PVMD) group, presented innovative research on Silicon Heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells.

Working within the NGF SolarNL/SolarLab, Sebastian and his team have made impressive progress in their work on Silicon Heterojunction solar cell technology. Their work could lead to more efficient and affordable solar panels, bringing us closer to renewable energy and a greener future.

This recognition underscores the important role of young researchers and the collaboration of institutions like TU Delft, as part of the SolarNL ecosystem, in addressing global energy challenges.

 

About the research Program

Sebastian's research is part of the program of The PVMD group which focuses on designing and fabricating thin-film semiconductor devices, with an emphasis on amorphous and nano-crystalline silicon films made at low temperatures (<200 °C) using CVD techniques. Their expertise lies in advanced measurement and computer modeling to analyze electronic properties like defect density, optimizing thin-film silicon solar cells, and exploring nano-structured materials for high-efficiency solar cells. They are also developing electronic components on flexible plastic substrates using thin-film silicon technology.

 

About PVSEC-35

The PVSEC-35 conference is the leading photovoltaic science and engineering event in the Asia-Pacific region, taking place from November 10–15, 2024, in Numazu, Japan, near Mount Fuji. It showcases advancements in solar technologies such as silicon, thin-film, and perovskite photovoltaics, and explores themes like energy storage, AI integration, and sustainable energy policies. Featuring workshops, expert presentations, and networking sessions, the conference drives collaboration and innovation among global solar energy leaders

 

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