The 5th edition of the Next Generation High Efficiency Photovoltaics (NEXTGEN) International School and Workshops was held from September 9th to 12th, 2024, at the Caixa Forum of Palma de Mallorca, Spain. It has successfully concluded, reconvening, reconnecting, and reigniting the passion for pioneering photovoltaic research. Organized by IREC, this year’s edition marked a significant milestone, resuming after a pause due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
NEXTGEN, known for its commitment in advancing the field of high efficiency photovoltaics and fostering interactions between academia and industry, provided, once again, an excellent platform for exchanging experiences, sharing the latest advances, and addressing ongoing challenges in the sector of photovoltaics (PV). This year’s event featured top-tier presentations by keynote and invited speakers, with a program organized in two different blocks. The first block was centered on the transition from laboratory to industry approach, organized with the support of the Platform-ZERO project, while the second segment highlighted the latest advancements in emerging photovoltaic materials and advanced characterization techniques, organized with the support of the Renew PV project.
One of the highlights of NEXTGEN 2024 was the “Lab to Industry” session held on September 9th, entitled “From Laboratory to Factory: Revolutionizing Photovoltaics with New Advanced Monitoring Approaches”. This session emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial application in the photovoltaic sector. Relevant industry representatives shared their insights on the challenges of scaling up innovative technologies for production and the need to continually align research outcomes with real-world industrial demands. Additionally, attendees engaged in a short training session on developing and adopting innovative Artificial Intelligence strategies to achieve high-yield and reliable industrial processes.
The event proceeded with the second segment (10th-12th of September), which delved into the state-of-the-art, existing challenges and insights related to the implementation of new technology-based concepts, such as indoor photovoltaics, the application of solar cells in space, and semi- and high- transparent photovoltaics. A significant focus was also given to the development of new materials and low environmental impact photovoltaic technologies, emphasizing the importance of cost-efficient and sustainable PV solutions.
The presence of experts such as Dr. Xiaojing Hao, from the University of New South Wales, (Sydney), Dr. Dan Lamb, from Swansea University (United Kingdom), and Dr. Paola Vivo, from Tampere University (Finland), enhanced the event by bringing invaluable insights and perspectives about thin film kesterite solar cells and the emerging applications of PV in space and indoors, respectively.
In conclusion, NEXTGEN not only provided a broad overview of the latest advancements across various photovoltaic sectors but also successfully brought together young researchers, senior academics and industry members, encouraging dialogue and interaction among participants. This engagement is crucial for building connections and exploring potential collaborations to address the challenges and seize the opportunities within the PV sector.
Acknowledgments
This event was supported by Fundació “La Caixa” and projects funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
We would also like to acknowledge the support from COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology), a funding agency for research and innovation networks. COST Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation.
