Events

Photovoltaics are revolutionizing the way we think about electricity both in terms of cost and applications. Hosted by the Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Brett Hallam, University of New South Wales will discuss the recent and emerging trends in the photovoltaics industry in terms of manufacturing as well as applications, far beyond just using photovoltaics for electricity generation. It will also highlight the pioneering role of UNSW in the development of the PERC solar cell and the training of engineers and researchers that established mass manufacturing of photovoltaics in China, and has enabled large-scale photovoltaics to generate electricity at half the cost of coal-based electricity. 

Dr. Brett Hallam is the Research Director for Advanced Hydrogenation at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy. The 30-person Advanced Hydrogenation group carries out fundamental and industry-focused research on the development of defect-engineering processes for silicon solar cells. Dr. Hallam led the group's effort in developing a rapid sub-10-second solution to the boron-oxygen light-induced degradation problem that had previously  plagued commercial silicon solar cells for several decades. He has worked on collaborative research projects or a consultant with many of the world's largest solar cell manufacturers and was part of the team that fabricated the world's first 20% efficient commercial p-type Cz solar cell with Suntech.  Dr. Hallam completed a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Photovoltaics and Solar Energy and Bachelor of Science in Physics, and Physical Oceanography/Meteorology at the University of New South Wales in 2009, graduating with the University Medal. He then completed postgraduate studies at UNSW in Photovoltaic Engineering where he developed advanced hydrogenation and laser doping processes in 2014.