A solar cell or photovoltaic cell is a device that converts light energy into electrical energy. Solar cell devices need to deliver photo-generation of charge carriers (electrons and holes) in a light-absorbing material. The charge carriers are then separated and transmitted via conductive contacts to generate electricity. Mainstream solar cells are made using either single crystal silicone wafers (same as those used in the electronics industry) or the cheaper amorphous silicone. There are several disadvantages with both these well established technologies. Firstly, silicone is expensive and is in short supply around the world. The high cost is a major barrier to the widespread adoption of solar cell devices. Secondly, solar cell devices made using silicone are rigid and brittle. This means solar cell panels are rigid and can not be made into flexible articles. Thirdly, vacuum processes are involved in the construction of silicone solar cells. These processes are tedious, slow and expensive. To overcome these shortcomings in the use of silicone, intense world-wide efforts have been in progress. One aspect is the manufacture of so called thin film solar cells. These are thinner, flexible and often use non-silicon materials and non-vacuum processes where rolls of polymer based films (substrate) undergo various forms of process to build a layered structure on the substrate film such that the layered structure functions as a solar cell.

BizEsp has launched Oxford Sunergy to R&D and market lower cost flexible solar cells using new types of materials and processes. The Company is also working on new concepts for the incorporation of solar cells into every day articles and applications and expects to build IPR throughout 2008 and 2009.

Further regular updates will be available on this web site throughout 2008. In the mean time, please contact BizEsp Limited for further information.