Feb 5 2010
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) announced that a new research network will be established in Canada to boost the research and development on solar photovoltaics. The council has announced $5 million funding for the network establishment, which will be based at the McMaster University. The NSERC Photovoltaic Innovation Network will comprise a total of 29 engineers and scientists from 13 various Canadian universities. In addition, 11 private companies will also join the network.
The aim of the solar research network is to increase the solar photovoltaics status in the country by commercializing the research results. About 88 researchers are expected to be trained under the network over a period of five years.
Rafael Kleiman, Scientific Director of the Network, said the network would develop an intellectual property in the solar industry that can be adopted to provide strong domestic demand. Kleiman, who is also a Professor of Engineering Physics in McMaster University, noted the network would help the nation compete with other countries in the fast growing solar field.
Canadian Minister of Industry, Tony Clement, stated that the Canadian investment in innovation is more than before. The support for the network will benefit the Canadian people for many following years, he added. Commenting on the establishment of the network at McMaster University, Vice-President of Research & International Affairs, Mo Elbestawi, said it proves the reputation of the university and its leadership in sustainable energy.
NSERC announced the Photovoltaic Innovation Network along with establishment of other 10 research networks. The solar research network will receive a total funding of $56 million from the council over five years.
The specific objective of the research program is to raise the conversion efficiency of solar device and to reduce the cost of the device. The council reported that four central themes have been outlined for the research that include organic devices with low cost manufacturing and materials; and new PV devices using nano materials.
Source: http://www.mcmaster.ca/