£300K prize for silicon solar cell engineer

A University of New South Wales (UNSW) engineer has won a prestigious prize for his work on silicon solar cell efficiency. Scientia Professor Stuart Wenham was presented with the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s AF Harvey Engineering Research Prize of £300,000 (approximately AU$560,000).

The award recognises Professor Wenham’s team’s discovery of a mechanism to control the charge state of hydrogen atoms to correct deficiencies in silicon - the most costly part of a solar cell.

“Our patented advanced hydrogenation technology will allow lower-quality silicon to outperform solar cells made from better quality materials, producing higher efficiencies at significantly lower cost,” said Professor Wenham, from the School of Photovoltaics and Renewable Energy Engineering.

“It is a great honour to receive the AF Harvey Engineering Prize and the international recognition that it brings to this important innovation. The prize money will go a long way to helping us take the research to the next stage.

“Our UNSW team is now working with the world’s biggest solar manufacturers through collaborative agreements with NewSouth Innovations to commercialise this low-cost technology,” said Professor Wenham, who acknowledged the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s funding support for the project, which is expected to be completed in 2016.

“Professor Wenham has played a pivotal role in the wide-scale development of silicon solar cell technology. His pioneering research and internationally recognised leadership in the field have enabled commercial exploitation of the technology for the benefit of the global community seeking renewable energy solutions at affordable prices,” said IET President Barry Brooks.

“He is a truly deserving recipient of the IET AF Harvey Engineering Prize and an inspiration to all engineers.”