A consortium of Applied Multilayers Ltd., Ove Arup & Partners, Pilkington Group & the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems & Technology (CREST) at Loughborough University are to take part in a collaborative programme involving the development of new solar cell technology based on thin film photovoltaics. The Technology Strategy Board is to invest over £0.5M in the £1.53M research & development project, which is also supported by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The project will be coordinated by lead partner, Ove Arup & Partners, who will also be responsible for building integration issues. Applied Multilayers will apply its patented Closed Field reactive sputtering technology to the deposition of thin film photovoltaic materials and work together with CREST to develop new thin film processes. Pilkington will develop & supply special TCO (Transparent Conducting Oxide) coated glass for the project and will also be involved in optical design.
