SUNRISE - Innovative technology for low-cost
production of photovoltaic solar cells
LIFE07 ENV/S/000913
Project description Environmental issues Beneficiaries Administrative data Contact details:
Project Manager: Andreas ANDERSSON
Tel: +46 8 56056000
Fax: +46 8 506 560 10
Email: a n d r e a s . a n d e r s s o n @ m 2 . s e
Project description:
Background
Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy provides a potential alternative to energy sources
that produce CO2 emissions. Today, PV solar cells are produced primarily in four
countries: Japan, China, USA, and Germany, with Japan having the largest share
of global production, at nearly 40%. Reducing the manufacturing cost of PV solar cells and/or increasing the
efficiency of their energy production process should help increase incentives for
investment in PV solar cell manufacturing infrastructure. This in turn could lead
to increased production of PV solar cells and greater use of PV solar cells, which
would reduce CO2 emissions.
Objectives
The overall objective of the ‘SUNRISE’ LIFE project was to test the functionality
and effectiveness of a highly innovative PV solar cell production technology.
These tests aimed to demonstrate that the new approach is capable of
significantly lowering production costs, increasing energy efficiency and so
resulting in more environmentally-friendly final products. Comparisons would be made against state-of-the-art technology and the LIFE
project targets include demonstrating the M2 technology’s ability to: Reduce energy payback time by 65%, compared with crystalline silicon;
Reduce production costs per Watt by 90%, compared with amorphous
silicon and by 60% compared with crystalline silicon;
Create fully recyclable solar cells (i.e. 100% recyclable);
Reduce the weight of PV cells by at least 50%, compared with crystalline
silicon thin film solar cells; and
Reduce packing and transportation volumes by at least 50%, compared with
crystalline silicon thin film solar cells.
Results of the project were anticipated to lower production costs, increase
energy efficiency and promote the development of environmentally friendly
products. Knowledge gained during the development of the new production
system was anticipated to benefit numerous European companies and help
increase the production of PV cells in Europe.
Results
The project has been closed prematurely, due to the beneficiary's bankruptcy. Top
Environmental issues addressed:
Themes
Energy - Savings
Industry-Production - Electric - Electronics - Optical
Keywords
energy saving‚ electrical industry‚ alternative technology‚ renewable energy Natura 2000 sites
Not applicable
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Beneficiaries:
Coordinator
Type of organisation
Description
M2 Engineering AB
SME Small and medium sized enterprise
The beneficiary is an engineering company
specialising in sophisticated metal products. Partners
None Top
Administrative data:
Project reference
Duration
Total budget
EU contribution
Project location
LIFE07 ENV/S/000913
01-JUL-2009 to 31-DEC -2011
4,992,204.00 €
2,406,102.00 €
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Project description Environmental issues Beneficiaries Administrative data R e a d m o r e