Glass 2 Energy successfully manufactured its first innovative solar panels

Glass 2 Energy, headquartered in Yverdon-les-Bains, is developing a new kind of solar panels, based on a technology that was invented by Professor Grätzel of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL).

The technology of dye synthesized solar cells is often referred to as artificial photosynthesis, analogous to chlorophyll in leafs, where a sensitized dye absorbs light and generates excited electrons. These electrons are injected into and transported via the conduction band of a high surface area semiconductor.

The technology has been matured after 20 years of development and 17 licences distributed worldwide by EPFL. So far, stability of dye sensitive solar cells (DSC) were hindered by poor sealing. Recently, the team of Glass 2 Energy has been able to develop on lab scale a process for reliable sealing of DSC.

In March the company moved into new premises in Yverdon-les-Bains, with over 1000 m2 to build up the pilot production line. Glass 2 Energy is actually working with newly acquired industrial equipment on scaling up the production of large size panels. A first important milestone was reached in July: 9 months after set-up of the company functional glass sealed panels (60cm x100cm) were successfully manufactured.