Leuven (Belgium), April 3, 2012 – Today, the second edition of the International Conference on Silicon Photovoltaics takes off in Leuven (Belgium). The Si PV conference is a high-level scientific conference on advanced crystalline silicon solar cell technology. This 2nd edition is hosted by imec, a well-known leading R&D center in the domain of nanotechnology with a long-standing tradition in photovoltaics (PV). The conference features inspiring invited lectures, oral and poster presentations describing the most recent advances in the field, and serves as a platform for intensive discussions among experts.
The photovoltaic market has been growing at a tremendous pace over the last decade and is today a global market with a yearly turnover of more than 50 billion $. The major part of the PV systems (>85%) produced and installed yearly are based on crystalline silicon. It is expected that solar cells based on crystalline silicon will also capture the major market share in the next decade. Increasing the efficiencies of these devices, reducing their cost and increasing the sustainability of the technology is calling for further R&D in this field.
After the success of the 1st International Conference on Silicon Photovoltaics in 2011 in Freiburg, Germany, this Second Edition (in Leuven, Belgium) will again focus on the science and technology of advanced crystalline silicon (Si) solar cells and modules and the properties and influence of the crystalline Si substrate on the performance of crystalline Si solar cells. An international committee with global outreach and comprised of well-known scientists from companies and leading R&D institutes has selected the best abstracts to prepare a high-level scientific program.
Jef Poortmans, Program Chairman of the Conference and Director of the photovoltaic activities at imec: “Progress in crystalline Si solar cells can only be achieved through the combination of thorough scientific understanding and applied research. To intensify communication and collaboration between the stakeholders, this Si PV conference brings together the best scientists in the field with R&D actors from the industry. By hosting the conference, imec expresses its support and belief in the growth potential of this sector”.
About imec
Imec performs world-leading research in nanoelectronics. Imec leverages its scientific knowledge with the innovative power of its global partnerships in ICT, healthcare and energy. Imec delivers industry-relevant technology solutions. In a unique high-tech environment, its international top talent is committed to providing the building blocks for a better life in a sustainable society. Imec is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and has offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, Taiwan, US, China, India and Japan. Its staff of close to 2,000 people includes more than 600 industrial residents and guest researchers. In 2011, imec’s revenue (P&L) was about 300 million euro. Further information on imec can be found at www.imec.be.
Imec is a registered trademark for the activities of IMEC International (a legal entity set up under Belgian law as a “stichting van openbaar nut”), imec Belgium (IMEC vzw supported by the Flemish Government), imec the Netherlands (Stichting IMEC Nederland, part of Holst Centre which is supported by the Dutch Government), imec Taiwan (IMEC Taiwan Co.) and imec China (IMEC Microelectronics (Shangai) Co. Ltd.) and imec India (Imec India Private Limited).
Contact:
Hanne Degans, External Communications Officer, T: +32 16 28 17 69, Mobile: +32 486 065 175, Hanne.Degans@imec.be
