Our People

Why is your research important?

Characterisation is essential for understanding the performance limiting factors for photovoltaic devices, not only for research but also for industry. Defects stimulate the recombination of photo-generated charge carriers. Therefore, controlling the defects is essential for improving the performance of photovoltaic devices. The continuing improvement of photovoltaic materials and device architectures also calls for new characterisation techniques.

Why is your research important?  

Crystalline silicon solar cells with passivated contacts will be one of the most dominant and widely produced solar cell technologies in the coming decades. The development of high-efficiency passivated contact devices – and the next-generation materials needed for them – will drive the levelized cost of electricity to new lows and further cement photovoltaic energy’s place as the most cost-effective form of electricity generation we have available.

Why is your research important?

My research is mainly committed to confronting climate change, focusing on enhancing solar energy systems' efficiency and reliability using machine learning. This involves developing algorithms for defect detection in solar panels, facilitating their performance improvement, and proactive maintenance. Additionally, I am crafting predictive financial models to determine the most economically advantageous time for replacing and disposing of solar modules...

Why is your research important?

Although transition metal oxides (TMO)-based solar cells are very promising with regards to device efficiency, TMO passivating contacts have been limited to small devices using deposition techniques that are impractical for industrial applications. My research is to develop TMO passivating contacts using common industrial techniques that can be easily integrated into existing manufacturing capacity. Furthermore, I investigate passivating contacts using...

Why is your research important?

Characterisation is crucial to grasp the physics behind solar cell behaviour. For instance, performance characterisation is necessary to identify better-performing materials or manufacturing processes. Tandem solar cells are promising candidates to improve power conversion efficiency at low environmental and economic costs. Appropriate characterisation techniques are crucial to support the development of these high-efficiency...

Why is your research important?

Combining artificial intelligence (AI) with the amazing UNSW-developed techniques, such as photoluminescence imaging, will bring new insights to the photovoltaic industry. My research assists developing higher standards for quality and reliability of photovoltaic devices. This is a critical need, especially these days during the very fast growth of the solar industry. The most crucial aspect of my research is its contribution to tackling climate change...

Why is your research important?

Reliable and efficient utility-scale PV needs models that are both data-driven and physics-consistent. My work builds such models to improve forecasting, fault detection and performance analysis, reducing operational risk and increasing energy yield at scale.

What do you like about research?

I like turning first-principles understanding into deployable algorithms. Research lets me...

Why is your research important?

Understanding the dynamics of complex physical systems is difficult. But the more you understand, the better your predictions of the future become. And who doesn't want to predict the future?

Why do you like research?

It is far more rewarding to explore the uncertain and discover the unknown than to shelter in the safety of established knowledge. Research improves your odds...

Why is your research important?

Improving the understanding of the materials’ electrical properties, their temperature dependence and their impact on solar cell performance and energy yield in the field.

Why do you like research?

It always surprises me! Nothing will go according to plan and your expectations.

Why is your research important?

My research focuses on the advancement of algorithms, both by developing new ones and enhancing existing ones, with the primary objective of efficiently processing emerging data and models. A particular emphasis is placed on utilising these algorithms to address practical issues encountered in real-world scenarios. Lately, I have been particularly enthusiastic about utilising my expertise to tackle the challenges facing utility-scale photovoltaic plants...

Why is your research important?

I am an atmospheric modeller at the forefront of efforts to bring atmospheric science knowledge to engineering and model-development problems. My research aims to understand the impact of weather and climate on solar and wind energy generation, and to develop new ways to improve weather and climate information for renewable energy risk management. My research spans a wide spectrum of space and time scales, from urban to global and from minutes...

Why is your research important?

My research aims to develop algorithms that can improve the reliability and costs of photovoltaic systems. I think doing this will contribute to much needed efforts in making energy affordable, environment-friendly, and sustainable.

Why do you like research?

I enjoy learning new things, knowing why and how, and finding better solutions. With this knowledge, I can share it and help communities.

Why is your research important?

Luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) cells hold great promise for sustainable agriculture. By integrating LSC technology into greenhouse structures, we can create self-powered environments that not only generate clean energy but also shield crops from harsh external conditions.

What do you like about research?

“I did it for me. I liked it. I was good at it. And I...