Platform-ZERO

Third generation photovoltaic (PV) technologies offer high performance and customizability for ubiquitous integration (BIPV, VIPV, agrivoltaics, IoT...), and are well suited to Industry 4.0 manufacturing. However, their high-complexity and finely-tuned production processes make them prone to the appearance of critical defects with just small deviations from standard process conditions leading to significant production waste. In this context, Platform-ZERO provides a new paradigm for the third generation PV industry through the development of a self-learning, modular and customizable in-line process monitoring platform that provides in-situ holistic production assessment and control employing non-destructive inspection methods and industry 4.0 Artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools to allow an early detection, correction and/or prevention of pre-critical production faults. In order to achieve this ambitious objective, the Platform-Zero consortium joins together partners with a strong background in advanced characterization of complex materials and process monitoring methodologies; and partners who are leaders at the European level in the development/production of third generation PV devices and related products providing a balanced contribution of academy and industry with a high degree of multidisciplinarity. Platform-ZERO will demonstrate its innovative holistic process monitoring technology through the development, installation and validation at TRL7 of 4 functional demonstrators in different PV and PV-related manufacturing lines: roll-to-roll (CIGS solar foil), sheet-to-sheet (high efficiency CIGS and perovskite) and line flow (smart coatings) PV and PV-related manufacturing lines. The Platform-ZERO technology will contribute in increasing the overall quality and reduce the cost of high-tech PV devices increasing the competitiveness of EU's PV industry and allowing PV to become a key energy source for Europe's transition towards climate-neutral energy generation.