学生のSUMALDE, Adrian Augusto Mendozaさん（博士後期課程2年、サスティナブルイノベーション研究領域、大平研究室）が36th International Photovoltaic Science and Engineering Conference（PVSEC-36）においてBest Oral Presentation Awardを受賞しました。

　PVSEC-36は、令和7年11月9日～14日まで、タイ・バンコクのチュラロンコン大学（Chulalongkorn University）にて開催された、太陽光発電システムに関する国際会議です。同会議では、世界中の研究者や技術者が一堂に会し、最先端の研究成果について活発な議論が行われました。

※参考：PVSEC-36

■受賞年月日
　令和7年11月14日

■研究題目、論文タイトル等
Development of encapsulant-less vertical crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules with various thermoplastic materials as module base

■研究者、著者
Adrian Augusto M. Sumalde, Kensaku Maeda, and Keisuke Ohdaira

■受賞対象となった研究の内容
Encapsulant-less PV modules were developed to address the recyclability concerns in conventional crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) modules. Specifically, these modules were conceptualized for vertical installations for building integration, targeting high urban density areas and/or locations with heavy snowfall conditions. This work evaluated the potential of several thermoplastics as primary material for module base, providing both physical stability and aesthetic appeal. The design utilizes grooves for easy installation and removal of module components, as well as "corner" and "bar" holding structures to minimize partial shading and vertical stability. Mini-modules were 3d-printed using black polycarbonate (PC), translucent polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), and white acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA). Electrical performance was evaluate using 1-sun illuminated J - V characteristics, EQE spectra, and electroluminescence imaging, while an initial 72-hour damp-heat test was conducted to investigate the response of modules to thermo-hygrometric stress. Using corner holding structures in the module base design, performance losses were successfully minimized, kept to as low as 0.36% η_abs for the white ASA modules. The translucency of PETG modules and white colors of ASA modules also resulted in cell-to-module ratios above 90%, with confidence that upscaling will improve these values. Future direction involves upsizing and redesigning for additional physical stability, to be evaluated using moisture ingress and vibration stability tests.

■受賞にあたって一言
I am truly honored to have received the award at PVSEC-36. It validated my efforts throughout the year and motivates me to continue working hard in my research and my PhD studies. I would like to thank Professor Keisuke Ohdaira and Senior Lecturer Kensaku Maeda for their continuous guidance and instilling discipline in my daily research activities in JAIST, as well as to NEDO and Specially Appointed Professor Marwan Dhamrin, The University of Osaka, for their technical support for the fabrication of our solar cells. Lastly, I would also like to thank Associate Professor Kotona Motoyama, Kanazawa University, who strengthened my awareness of responsible research and innovation. Through her, I am always reminded that whenever we communicate our research, the benefit to society is a common language that we all can understand.

　

　

令和7年12月9日