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'''GreatCell Solar Limited''' ({{ASX|GSL}}) previously known as '''Dyesol''', was a [[solar energy]] company developing [[perovskite solar cell]] 3rd generation [[thin-film solar cell]] technologies and materials. The company was previously focused on developing [[dye-sensitized solar cell]] (DSC or DSSC) technology but then focused on perovskite solar cells, and assisted manufacturing partners to produce perovskite photovoltaic modules. The company was based in [[Queanbeyan]], [[Australia]] and opened its manufacturing and research facilities in October 2008. It expanded to several locations around the world, including the [[UK]] and [[Switzerland]], and established joint ventures in [[South Korea]] and [[Singapore]].{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}
GreatCell Solar Limited: Pioneering Solar Energy Solutions


The company was predominantly focused on [[perovskite solar cell]] and materials development, with numerous academic and corporate partnerships trying to commercialize modules based on both glass and metal substrates by 2019 and 2020, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.greatcellsolar.com/projects/ |title=GreatCell Solar » Projects |access-date=2018-10-15 |archive-date=2018-10-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027030931/http://www.greatcellsolar.com/projects/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In July 2017, a [[memorandum of understanding]] was signed with the world's largest solar panel manufacturer [[Jinko Solar]] which was hoped to lead to large scale deployment of the technology.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pv-tech.org/news/jinkosolar-starts-perovskite-cell-rd-collaboration|title = JinkoSolar starts perovskite cell R&D collaboration|date = 20 July 2017}}</ref> In October 2018, the Materials Division of Greatcell Solar was spun off, in a new business called Greatcell Solar Materials (GSM), based in Queanbeyan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.perovskite-info.com/interview-greatcell-solar-materials-gm-yanek-hebting|title=Interview with Greatcell Solar Materials' GM Yanek Hebting &#124; Perovskite-Info}}</ref>
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Formerly known as Dyesol, GreatCell Solar Limited (ASX: GSL) emerged as a prominent solar energy company specializing in the development of third-generation thin-film solar cell technologies and materials, particularly perovskite solar cells. While initially focused on dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC or DSSC) technology, the company shifted its attention to perovskite solar cells, collaborating with manufacturing partners to produce innovative perovskite photovoltaic modules. Founded in Queanbeyan, Australia, the company established its manufacturing and research facilities in October 2008. Over time, it expanded its global footprint to include locations in the UK, Switzerland, and established joint ventures in South Korea and Singapore.^[1]


In December 2018, GreatCell Solar Limited entered administration<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://reneweconomy.com.au/australia-solar-pioneer-collapses-after-funding-failure-death-of-lead-scientist-52568/|title=Australia solar pioneer collapses after funding failure, death of lead scientist|date=11 December 2018}}</ref> and was put into liquidation in September 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://insolvencynotices.asic.gov.au/browsesearch-notices/notice-details/Greatcell-Solar-Limited-111723883/f484120f-ef19-4a93-aee0-3e568dd29e30|title=Notice Details}}</ref>
The company's primary focus revolved around the advancement of perovskite solar cell technology and materials. Through strategic partnerships with academic institutions and corporations, GreatCell Solar aimed to commercialize solar modules based on glass and metal substrates by 2019 and 2020, respectively. In a significant move, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with Jinko Solar, the world's largest solar panel manufacturer, with the goal of scaling up the deployment of perovskite solar technology. The company's dedication to innovation led to the spin-off of its Materials Division into a new entity called Greatcell Solar Materials (GSM) based in Queanbeyan in October 2018.^[2]


In December 2018, GreatCell Solar Limited faced financial challenges, leading to its entry into administration. Subsequently, in September 2019, the company went into liquidation. However, Greatcell Solar Materials continues to operate as a vital manufacturer and supplier of materials for renewable energy systems, catering to both the photovoltaics research sector and the electronics industry.^[3]
Greatcell Solar Materials still operates as a manufacturer and supplier of materials (including perovskite precursors, dyes and titania pastes) for renewable energy systems applications to the photovoltaics research sector and the electronics industry.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.greatcellsolarmaterials.com/ |title=Home |website=greatcellsolarmaterials.com}}</ref>


== DSC development and company history ==
Evolution of DSC Technology and Company History


The inception of dye-sensitized solar cell technology traces back to 1988 when Brian O'Regan and Michael Graetzel introduced the concept at the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland. Their groundbreaking paper, "A low-cost, high-efficiency solar cell based on dye-sensitized colloidal TiO2 films," published in 1991 in the journal Nature, marked the beginning of a new era in harnessing solar energy. Michael Grätzel, currently associated with Switzerland's École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), continued to be closely tied to Dyesol's journey as Chairman of Dyesol's Technical Advisory Board.
[[Dye-sensitized solar cell]] technology was invented at the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1988 by Brian O'Regan and [[Michael Graetzel]]. Their paper '''A low-cost, high-efficiency solar cell based on dye-sensitized colloidal TiO<sub>2</sub> films''', published in 1991 in the journal, ''Nature'', spawned a new research field and a new route to harvest electrical power from sunlight. Since that time [[Michael Grätzel]], now at Switzerland's [[École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne]] (EPFL), has received numerous awards and accolades in relation to the invention of DSCs, and maintained close links to Dyesol as Chairman of Dyesol's Technical Advisory Board.
[[File:Liquid DSC vs solid state DSC.jpg|thumb|Major differences between DSC & ssDSC]]


Collaborating since 1994, STI and GreatCell teams in Australia and Switzerland worked together to develop DSC technology, leading to the establishment of the world's first DSC prototype manufacturing facility in Australia in 2000. This phase of development involved pioneering processes, materials, and equipment to manufacture DSC products. With strategic acquisitions, Dyesol accumulated an extensive patent portfolio. The company acquired STI in 2006 and GreatCell in 2007.
From 1994, STI and Greatcell teams in Australia and Switzerland developed DSC technology and established the world's first DSC prototype manufacturing facility in Australia in 2000. Key to that development phase was the invention of processes, new materials, and equipment to manufacture DSC products. Dyesol acquired the laboratory, manufacturing equipment and intellectual property which has resulted in a large portfolio of patents. Dyesol further acquired STI in 2006 and Greatcell in 2007.


Dyesol Limited, founded in 2004, was formed with the aim of accelerating the commercial development of DSC technology, building upon the work conducted over 14 years by Sustainable Technologies International Pty Ltd (STI), GreatCell Solar S.A. (GreatCell), and Switzerland's École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). It became publicly listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in 2005 and the German Open Market, while also trading on the OTCQX through its depositary BNY Mellon.^[4]
Dyesol Limited was formed in 2004 to accelerate the commercial development of DSC technology and build on the DSC work of previous 14 years carried out by Sustainable Technologies International Pty Ltd ("STI"), Greatcell Solar S.A. ("Greatcell"), and Switzerland's École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). It was listed on the [[Australian Stock Exchange]] in 2005 (DYE) and the German Open Market (D5I.F), and is trading on the OTCQX (DYSOY) through its depositary BNY Mellon.
[[File:Transperant Tandem DSC on Glass.gif|thumb|Transparent Tandem DSC on Glass]]


In May 2013, Dyesol made a significant announcement regarding its Dye-sensitized Solar Cell (DSC) technology achieving a breakthrough with a solid-state DSC efficiency of 11.3% under full sun. This achievement held particular importance for solar markets with less-than-optimal light conditions, such as Europe, North America, and North-East Asia. On July 11, 2013, Dyesol, in collaboration with EPFL, announced another milestone with efficiencies exceeding 15% for solid-state Dye Solar Cells. However, it's important to note that these advancements have since transitioned into perovskite solar cell technology, with certified efficiencies surpassing 23%.^[5]
In May 2013 Dyesol announced that Dye-sensitized Solar Cell ([[Dye-sensitized solar cell|DSC]]) technology has achieved a technical breakthrough by achieving a solid-state DSC ('''ss-DSC''') efficiency of 11.3% at full sun. The technology is particularly important in solar markets where light conditions are sub-optimal, such as Europe, North America and North-East Asia, or low-light conditions (such as indoor applications) where much higher efficiencies over 30% can be achieved.
[[File:SsDSC vs DSC.gif|thumb|Solid State DSC efficiency against Liquid DSC]]


On July 11, 2013, Dyesol /[[EPFL]] announced a new record DSC efficiency. [[Michael Grätzel]] stated "Our research work on solid-state Dye Solar Cells ('''ss-DSC''') is now achieving efficiencies exceeding 15%".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://actu.epfl.ch/news/dye-sensitized-solar-cells-rival-conventional-ce-2/|title = Dye-sensitized solar cells rival conventional cell efficiency|date = 7 November 2013|last1 = Papageorgiou|first1 = Nik}}</ref> However, this is now considered a perovskite solar cell and the official accredited DSC [[solar cell efficiency]] is 11.9% determined by the [[National Renewable Energy Laboratory]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nrel.gov/pv/assets/pdfs/pv-efficiencies-07-17-2018.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2018-10-15 |archive-date=2018-10-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016032645/https://www.nrel.gov/pv/assets/pdfs/pv-efficiencies-07-17-2018.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> This efficiency is not expected to greatly increase as the DSC field has largely shifted to the development of perovskite solar cells which have achieved certified efficiencies over 23%.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nrel.gov/pv/assets/pdfs/pv-efficiencies-07-17-2018.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2018-10-15 |archive-date=2018-10-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016032645/https://www.nrel.gov/pv/assets/pdfs/pv-efficiencies-07-17-2018.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Global Partnerships and Ventures


[[File:Dyesol_ssDSC_on_Steel.png|thumb|Dyesol ssDSC on Steel (Solar Steel)]]
GreatCell Solar's influence extended beyond its core operations, manifesting through subsidiaries, partnerships, and collaborations with global entities. The company's subsidiaries included Dyesol-Timo Co Ltd in South Korea, Dyesol Automotive Bavaria GmbH in Germany, and Dyesol-Printed Power Pte Ltd in Singapore. These subsidiaries focused on diverse areas, from research into Combined Energy Generation and Storage (CEGS) to automotive applications of DSC technology.


== Subsidiaries and Partnerships ==
Through academic and research partnerships, GreatCell Solar engaged with institutions such as EPFL, Nanyang Technological University, CSIRO, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), and more. These partnerships aimed to advance the development of Solid State DSC (ssDSC) technology, contributing to the evolution of solar energy solutions. Additionally, the company's collaborations with industrial giants like Merck KGaA and Sigma-Aldrich facilitated the supply of essential materials for DSC and ssDSC production.
[[File:PV Accelerator Pilot Line 2.jpg|thumb|PV Accelerator Pilot Line 2]]


Subsidiaries
GreatCell Solar's legacy is further enriched by its partnerships with Sefar AG, Pilkington, Umicore, SIA Engineering Company, G24 Innovations Ltd., and Nesli DSC, among others, in various capacities ranging from supplying transparent conducting film to participating in collaborative research and development efforts.
* Dyesol-Timo Co Ltd (ssDSC & Liquid DSC on Glass / Polymers / Steel), South Korea
* Dyesol Automotive Bavaria GmbH (ssDSC & Liquid DSC for Automotive), Germany
* Dyesol-Printed Power Pte Ltd (Research into Combined Energy Generation and Storage (CEGS)), Singapore


Academic and R&D Partners
Continuing Impact and References
* [[EPFL]] On going research mainly into Solid State DSC (ssDSC), Switzerland
* [[Nanyang Technological University]] Research into Solid State DSC (ssDSC), Singapore
* [[CSIRO]] Research into Solid State DSC (ssDSC), Australia
* [[Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation]] ANSTO, Australia
* [[Bangor University]]
* [[University of Sheffield]]
* [[University of Manchester]]
* [[Swansea University]]
* [[SPECIFIC]] Wales
** [[AkzoNobel]] Performance Coatings
** TATA Steel Europe Colorcoat Steel Roofing & Siding
** [[BASF]] Chemicles
** Alcro-Beckers AB Paint
** [[Nippon Sheet Glass]] Glass
** [http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/ EPSRC]
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20140728190436/https://www.innovateuk.org/energy Innovate UK]


Commercial Partners
The legacy of GreatCell Solar's contributions to solar energy technology and research is firmly documented in its references, demonstrating the depth and significance of its work. These references serve as a testament to the company's enduring influence and the strides it made in the realm of solar energy.
* [[Merck KGaA]] (Supplying electrolytes, ionic liquids)
* [[Sigma-Aldrich]] (Global Distribution of DSC and ssDSC Materials)
* TASNEE (Assistance with future funding and guarantees), Saudi Arabia
* Cristal (Supplying Nano-Titania for use by Dyesol partners), Saudi Arabia


Suppliers
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External Links
* Sefar AG Supplying [[transparent conducting film]] for use by Dyesol partners
* [[Pilkington]] Supplying Transparent Conductive Oxides for use by Dyesol partners
* [[Umicore]] Supplying liquid DSC dyes for use by Dyesol partners
* SIA Engineering Company/Meerkat Manufacturing facilities for use by Dyesol Partners


Industrial Consumers
For more insights into GreatCell Solar Limited's journey and achievements, readers can explore the provided external links, including access to the official Dyesol website and articles that highlight the company's innovations and impact on the solar energy landscape.
* G24 Innovations Ltd. (Dyes)
* [http://www.nesli.com.tr/solar.energy.html Nesli DSC] (Turkey)


Distribution
In Summary
* TATA Steel Europe Colorcoat Steel Roofing & Siding
* ThyssenKrupp''' '''
* CSR Viridian


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== References ==
GreatCell Solar Limited, previously known as Dyesol, emerged as a trailblazing force in the solar energy sector. From its focus on dye-sensitized solar cell technology to its pioneering advancements in perovskite solar cells, the company left an indelible mark on renewable energy research. Through partnerships, subsidiaries, and collaborations, it propelled the evolution of solar energy solutions, creating a lasting legacy in the pursuit of cleaner and more sustainable power sources.
<references />


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== External links ==
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References
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071218070759/http://www.dyesol.com/ Dyesol]
* [https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.342.6165.1438-b Science Magazine:- Newcomer Juices Up the Race to Harness Sunlight]
* [http://hotcopper.com.au/announcementFiles/2014/DYE/4bd8ff5c-a464-4ec2-845e-1eb24bc1c5e3-DYE666790.pdf Turkey Takes Important DSC Commercialisation Steps]
* [http://prwire.com.au/pr/45910/dyesol-and-sigma-aldrich-sign-global-distribution-agreement-for-dsc-and-ssdsc-materials Dyesol Limited has signed a Global Distribution Agreement with Sigma-Aldrich® Corporation ]
* [http://m.eetindia.co.in/ART_8800705160_1800008_NT_f55f5a4b.HTM#.VDpAEmeSyuI Cheaper Perovskite could replace Silicon in Solar Cells]
* [http://www.pv-tech.org/news/dyesol_mulling_pilot_line_phases_for_perovskite_based_thin_film_products PVTEC :- Dyesol mulling pilot line phases for perovskite thin-film products]
* [http://www.machinery-market.co.uk/news/8564/digital.aspx 2-DTech & Dyesol secures grants for Innovation]


[[Category:Photovoltaics manufacturers]]
[1] GreatCell Solar Limited. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.greatcellsolar.com/projects/
[[Category:Dye-sensitized solar cells]]

[[Category:Technology companies of Australia]]
[2] JinkoSolar starts perovskite cell R&D collaboration. (2017, July 20). Retrieved from https://www.pv-tech.org/news/jinkosolar-starts-perovskite-cell-rd-collaboration
[[Category:Companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange]]

[3] Australia solar pioneer collapses after funding failure, death of lead scientist. (2018, December 11). RenewEconomy. Retrieved from https://reneweconomy.com.au/australia-solar-pioneer-collapses-after-funding-failure-death-of-lead-scientist-52568/

⚫
[4] Dyesol. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20071218070759/http://www.dyesol.com/

[5] Archived copy. (2018, October 15). Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov/pv/assets/pdfs/pv-efficiencies-07-17-2018.pdf

Revision as of 18:49, 29 August 2023

GreatCell Solar Limited (ASX: GSL) previously known as Dyesol, was a solar energy company developing perovskite solar cell 3rd generation thin-film solar cell technologies and materials. The company was previously focused on developing dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC or DSSC) technology but then focused on perovskite solar cells, and assisted manufacturing partners to produce perovskite photovoltaic modules. The company was based in Queanbeyan, Australia and opened its manufacturing and research facilities in October 2008. It expanded to several locations around the world, including the UK and Switzerland, and established joint ventures in South Korea and Singapore.[citation needed]

The company was predominantly focused on perovskite solar cell and materials development, with numerous academic and corporate partnerships trying to commercialize modules based on both glass and metal substrates by 2019 and 2020, respectively.[1] In July 2017, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the world's largest solar panel manufacturer Jinko Solar which was hoped to lead to large scale deployment of the technology.[2] In October 2018, the Materials Division of Greatcell Solar was spun off, in a new business called Greatcell Solar Materials (GSM), based in Queanbeyan.[3]

In December 2018, GreatCell Solar Limited entered administration[4] and was put into liquidation in September 2019.[5]

Greatcell Solar Materials still operates as a manufacturer and supplier of materials (including perovskite precursors, dyes and titania pastes) for renewable energy systems applications to the photovoltaics research sector and the electronics industry.[6]

DSC development and company history

Dye-sensitized solar cell technology was invented at the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1988 by Brian O'Regan and Michael Graetzel. Their paper A low-cost, high-efficiency solar cell based on dye-sensitized colloidal TiO2 films, published in 1991 in the journal, Nature, spawned a new research field and a new route to harvest electrical power from sunlight. Since that time Michael Grätzel, now at Switzerland's École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), has received numerous awards and accolades in relation to the invention of DSCs, and maintained close links to Dyesol as Chairman of Dyesol's Technical Advisory Board.

Major differences between DSC & ssDSC

From 1994, STI and Greatcell teams in Australia and Switzerland developed DSC technology and established the world's first DSC prototype manufacturing facility in Australia in 2000. Key to that development phase was the invention of processes, new materials, and equipment to manufacture DSC products. Dyesol acquired the laboratory, manufacturing equipment and intellectual property which has resulted in a large portfolio of patents. Dyesol further acquired STI in 2006 and Greatcell in 2007.

Dyesol Limited was formed in 2004 to accelerate the commercial development of DSC technology and build on the DSC work of previous 14 years carried out by Sustainable Technologies International Pty Ltd ("STI"), Greatcell Solar S.A. ("Greatcell"), and Switzerland's École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). It was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2005 (DYE) and the German Open Market (D5I.F), and is trading on the OTCQX (DYSOY) through its depositary BNY Mellon.

Transparent Tandem DSC on Glass

In May 2013 Dyesol announced that Dye-sensitized Solar Cell (DSC) technology has achieved a technical breakthrough by achieving a solid-state DSC (ss-DSC) efficiency of 11.3% at full sun. The technology is particularly important in solar markets where light conditions are sub-optimal, such as Europe, North America and North-East Asia, or low-light conditions (such as indoor applications) where much higher efficiencies over 30% can be achieved.

Solid State DSC efficiency against Liquid DSC

On July 11, 2013, Dyesol /EPFL announced a new record DSC efficiency. Michael Grätzel stated "Our research work on solid-state Dye Solar Cells (ss-DSC) is now achieving efficiencies exceeding 15%".[7] However, this is now considered a perovskite solar cell and the official accredited DSC solar cell efficiency is 11.9% determined by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.[8] This efficiency is not expected to greatly increase as the DSC field has largely shifted to the development of perovskite solar cells which have achieved certified efficiencies over 23%.[9]

Dyesol ssDSC on Steel (Solar Steel)

Subsidiaries and Partnerships

PV Accelerator Pilot Line 2

Subsidiaries

  • Dyesol-Timo Co Ltd (ssDSC & Liquid DSC on Glass / Polymers / Steel), South Korea
  • Dyesol Automotive Bavaria GmbH (ssDSC & Liquid DSC for Automotive), Germany
  • Dyesol-Printed Power Pte Ltd (Research into Combined Energy Generation and Storage (CEGS)), Singapore

Academic and R&D Partners

Commercial Partners

  • Merck KGaA (Supplying electrolytes, ionic liquids)
  • Sigma-Aldrich (Global Distribution of DSC and ssDSC Materials)
  • TASNEE (Assistance with future funding and guarantees), Saudi Arabia
  • Cristal (Supplying Nano-Titania for use by Dyesol partners), Saudi Arabia

Suppliers

  • Sefar AG Supplying transparent conducting film for use by Dyesol partners
  • Pilkington Supplying Transparent Conductive Oxides for use by Dyesol partners
  • Umicore Supplying liquid DSC dyes for use by Dyesol partners
  • SIA Engineering Company/Meerkat Manufacturing facilities for use by Dyesol Partners

Industrial Consumers

  • G24 Innovations Ltd. (Dyes)
  • Nesli DSC (Turkey)

Distribution

  • TATA Steel Europe Colorcoat Steel Roofing & Siding
  • ThyssenKrupp
  • CSR Viridian

References

  1. ^ "GreatCell Solar » Projects". Archived from the original on 2018-10-27. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
  2. ^ "JinkoSolar starts perovskite cell R&D collaboration". 20 July 2017.
  3. ^ "Interview with Greatcell Solar Materials' GM Yanek Hebting | Perovskite-Info".
  4. ^ "Australia solar pioneer collapses after funding failure, death of lead scientist". 11 December 2018.
  5. ^ "Notice Details".
  6. ^ "Home". greatcellsolarmaterials.com.
  7. ^ Papageorgiou, Nik (7 November 2013). "Dye-sensitized solar cells rival conventional cell efficiency".
  8. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-10-16. Retrieved 2018-10-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  9. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-10-16. Retrieved 2018-10-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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