Invited talk at National Sun Yet-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on 30 October 2013
"Photovoltaic Research, Manufacturing and Applications in Thailand"
Somsak Panyakeow
Semiconductor Device Research Laboratory (SDRL)
Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University,
Bangkok, Thailand
Abstract
The research activity on photovoltaic cells started in mid 70’s on crystalline Silicon and in
mid 80’s on thin film Silicon at the Semiconductor Device Research Laboratory (SDRL),
Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. These two technologies for the first generation and the
second generation of solar cells were implemented by private manufacturing companies in
Thailand producing solar modules for local consumption. The PV market in Thailand is
expanding in recent years due to increasing energy demand and government policy in
promotion of green energy production. Solar farm installations are scattered in every part of
the country. The total capacity of 470 MW of solar farm is now in operation in Thailand. This
number will be rapidly increased due to the solar roof project by Metropolitan Electric
Authority (MEA).
Recent research at SDRL is focused on quantum nano-structures for the third generation
solar cell. High density InAs quantum dots are inserted in AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructure solar
cells. Intermediate band absorption by InAs quantum dots provides wider solar spectral
response. This quantum dot solar cell performs well at high concentrated sunlight. However,
practical efficiency of this type of solar cell is still low and needs more basic understanding. We
are studying GaSb quantum dots grown on Ge substrates for new nano-structure material in
solar cell and infrared detector applications.
SOMSAK PANYAKEOW received B. Eng., M. Eng. and D. Eng. degrees, all in electrical engineering,
from Osaka University, Japan in 1969, 1971 and 1974 respectively. In 1974, he began to work at the
Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University as a
lecturer. He was a pioneer in setting up the Semiconductor Device Research Laboratory (SDRL) at
Chulalongkorn University in 1975. He was appointed to be a Full Professor of the department in
1982. He was promoted to be Professor C11 (the highest rank) in 1992. He was trained at LAAS
(Laboratoire d' Automatique et d' Analyse des Systems), Toulouse, France on Silicon Planar Technology
in 1975. He had carried out the research works on GaAlAs/GaAs solar cells and a-Si solar cells during
his sabbatical leaves at Osaka University in 1977 and 1979 respectively. He has been engaged in
research on photovoltaic devices and systems since 1975. He has written 5 books and 377 publications
(journals, conference papers and technical reports) on solar cells, photovoltaic applications, laser
engineering, optoelectronics and nanoelectronics. He was selected to be the Outstanding Academician of
Chulalongkorn University in 1993 and received a senior research fellowship from National Science and
Technology Development Agency in 1995. His research work was recognized by the Science and
Technology Award given by Thailand Toray Science Foundation in 1996. He was selected to be the
outstanding researcher of the year 1997 by Ministry of University Affairs and the outstanding engineer of
the year 1997 by Engineering Alumni Association of Chulalongkorn University. He received PVSECaward of the 14th International Photovoltaic Science and Engineering Conference in 2004. In 2007, he
was awarded again by Thailand Toray Science Foundation as an outstanding scientist of the year 2006.
He was honored as a Model Professor of Chulalongkorn University by University Lecturer Council in
2007. He has been appointed to be Senior Research scholar by Thailand Research Fund (TRF) since
2005. In 2008, he was highly honored, receiving the prestigious “Dussadeemala” Medal from his
Majesty the King on his life-long research contribution.