Solar energy
The use of solar energy in society has been slow over the past few decades, due to its high-cost and stagnation of the development of low-cost and high-efficiency solar cells. The main reasons for this slow development is the lack of scientific understanding and mis-conceptions used in the scientific literature. Researchers at Sheffield Hallam University have formulated a new scientific model and recently challenged two accepted theories used over the past 25 years. The university has secured six patents on these new ideas during the past few years.
Novel device designs emanating from the new model have been experimentally tested using well researched GaAs/AlxGa(1-x)As materials grown at the University of Sheffield. The device parameters (Voc~1170 mV, FF~0.83-0.87) have recently been measured and independently confirmed by four European labs, and found to exceed the highest values reported to date. This breakthrough means the production of high efficiency solar cells in the future.
The Solar Energy Group at Sheffield Hallam University is working on electrodeposited semiconductors to produce low-cost and high-efficiency solar cells based on CdTe and CuInSe2. The group has successfully deposited 17 different semiconductors and the research is extending to light emitting devices and solar hydrogen production with new scientific ideas to contribute to the clean energy sector.
In addition to this active research and development programme, Dr Dharmadasa is heavily involved in the international promotion of renewable energy, in particular, through the worldwide renewable energy programme, SAREP. He is editor of their bi-monthly newsletter.