Italian renewable energies holding Erg Renew and curtain walling specialist Permasteelisa will invest EUR 2.5 million each in research and development to produce non-silicon based solar panels and, on…
Italian renewable energies holding Erg Renew and curtain walling specialist Permasteelisa will invest EUR 2.5 million each in research and development to produce non-silicon based solar panels and, on completion of the research, launch activities for the exclusive promotion and marketing of these new-generation panels. The project announced 10 September 2008 by Erg Renew and Permasteelisa will be carried out in collaboration with university partners Rome Tor Vergata, Ferrara and Turin, who will manage the research, and Australian Dyesol Group through its subsidiary Dyesol Italia. In a joint note the two Italian groups said the aim is to develop organic photovoltaics over the next four years and set up industrial production of DSSC (Dye Sensitized Solar Cell) panels. Compared with traditional panels, the new panels feature simpler production processes, using less energy with lower environmental impact and lower costs. They are also less sensitive to the angle of incidence of solar radiation, so that they can be installed on vertical walls, such as the windows of skyscrapers. Total investments are expected to more than EUR 10 million; Erg Renew and Permasteelisa will contribute about EUR 2.5 million each and Dyesol about EUR 1.5 million. The project will participate in the “Industry 2015” programme, which provides subsidies for research into energy efficiency through the use of innovative technologies.