Australian solar technology innovator Dyesol has signed a deal with Portuguese electrical engineering firm, EFACEC to work together on developing laser assisted, glass frit sealing technology that could boost the durability of DyeSol’s various solar products.
The technology has been developed by EFACEC and the University of Porto, and focuses on the manufacture of glass substrate, solid-state DSC (ssDSC) solar panels. The deal will provide Dyesol with provide 20-year plus sealing for its planned perovskite-based commercial PV products.
Dyesol will provide an initial €500,000 over a 15-month period, with a 2nd instalment of €1.7 million to be paid over a 24-month period depending on various development milestones.
A further €2.8 million is payable as a royalty pending the commercialisation of the process in Dyesol’s proposed solar panels and modules, meaning the structured financial transaction could lead to total payout by the company of €5 million after which IP ownership would be transferred to Dyesol.
Ian Neal, Dyesol chairman commented: “Durability is the greatest technical challenge in the PV market. This proprietary sealing technology has the potential to deliver 20 year plus life to solid-state DSC products in multiple applications, including BIPV, and we are very excited about its commercial prospects.”
Dyesol is on schedule to produce demonstration prototype panels in 2016, and hopes to start mass production in 2018.
