Ewing, N.J.-based Global Photonic Energy Corp. (GPEC), an organic photovoltaic technologies firm, says its research partners at the University of Michigan have been awarded a three-year grant for the work of Dr. Stephen R. Forrest.
Under the grant proposal, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected Forrest's work for support under the Funding Opportunity Announcement, Next Generation Photovoltaic Devices & Processes, as part of the president's Solar America Initiative. The $950,000 project includes a $790,049 contribution from the DOE.
As part of the research program, Michigan researchers seek to advance the current organic photovoltaic power conversion efficiency record, targeting 10% by 2010. GPEC's OPV technology is being developed to take advantage of highly customizable small-molecule materials that can be engineered to perform specific functions and applied to flexible and lightweight plastic substrates at room temperature. These organic materials could significantly change the nature of solar cell manufacturing and power generation.
"We are pleased that Dr. Forrest's innovative work is being recognized by this award," says Aaron L. Wadell, chief operating officer of GPEC." High-power, low-cost and long-lived solar cells that begin to compete with traditional generation technologies are an important future technology."
