Future Generation Technology Status Within the High-Performance PV Project

The High-Performance Photovoltaic (HPPV) Project provides funding to NREL in-house and university teams developing high-risk innovative concepts. Research emphases include organic solar cells and novel solar conversion processes having potential for ultra-high efficiency ("Third Generation," >50%) and very low cost. Future generation PV technologies are defined as those not in production and not expected to enter production soon because additional long-term research, development, and innovation are needed. This paper will address some of the recent research accomplishments in the research efforts underway in the subcontracted area.