Sustainable chalcogenide thin films for low power photovoltaics

ENPOWER addresses directly the scope and expected outcomes of the Call Module “CM2023-03A Advanced renewable energy (RE) technologies for power production”. With the development of efficient, stable and optimized chalcogenide technologies for indoor photovoltaics, ENPOWER objectives target energy-efficient solutions to power small electronics and IoT, reducing reliance on batteries and paving the way for sustainable and environmentally friendly power sources. Target technologies will be based on CdTe, kesterite and Sb2S3, using low-cost techniques, low environmental impact materials and scalable deposition processes. The general objectives of the project include categorizing IoT and PV devices based on real-life scenarios, understanding the limitations of indoor light for PV, developing optimized chalcogenide solar cells for indoor use, testing low-power PV harvesters for IoT systems, and assessing environmental impact and cost of chalcogenide technologies, aiming to enhance indoor PV efficiency and sustainability for IoT applications. ENPOWER will progress technology from TRL2 to TRL4, demonstrating the viability of these technologies to replace batteries for low powering small electronics and IoT sensors, permitting the IoT industry reaching its full growth potential. ENPOWER will provide a unique RD platform to empower the capability of EU to boost the energy and digital transition.