Major Milestones
Introducing Solar-based Power Generation, Creating Sustainable Environment via Renewable Energy
As 98% of Taiwan’s energy is imported, developing renewable energy has become increasingly important. ITRI recognized this need and began investing in renewable energy technologies as early as the 1980s. In 1985, ITRI successfully developed an amorphous silicon solar cell, and in the following year developed a solar-powered medium-temperature heat collector, which improved solar collector-related technologies and applications. In addition, ITRI constructed Taiwan’s first solar energy house to demonstrate the operations of a solar energy system.
In an effort to promote the widespread adoption of solar energy, ITRI began integrating solar energy technologies into everyday structures, such as bus shelters and convenience stores starting in 2008. In 2012, ITRI developed a "microstructural, lateral, solar-powered light-collecting technology" that was installed on building glass to transmit light and generate electricity. In 2016, the Taiwanese government designated the renewable energy industry as one of its "5+2 Industrial Innovation Projects" and began promoting renewable energy-based power generation. ITRI actively conducted research and development on solar cells. For example, in 2020, ITRI collaborated with Formosa Plastics Corporation to develop dye-sensitized batteries for use in low-light areas of smart homes, expanding indoor lighting applications. At the Shalun Green Energy Technology Demonstration Site, ITRI built the world’s first pilot production line with an annual production capacity of 100,000 pieces. In 2021 and 2022, ITRI introduced the tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell and perovskite solar cell, respectively. Both solar cells exhibited high photoelectric conversion efficiency, with the latter possibly exceeding the photoelectric conversion limits of silicon solar cells, making it extremely competitive in the market.
As the installation of solar energy systems increases over the years due to policy promotions, the large number of waste solar panels being taken down or downgraded has caused environmental problems. In response, ITRI, United Renewable Energy, and San Fang Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. have jointly developed a high-efficiency, easy-to-disassemble solar photovoltaic module that can recycle silicon wafers, glass cover plates, and precious metal materials with high unit prices. This technology enables solar panels to be processed sustainably from start to finish, achieving the goal of a sustainable environment. The technology was awarded the first IEC international certificate by German service provider TÜV Rheinland, which accelerates the introduction of easy-to-disassemble solar modules to the international market.
ITRI successfully developed amorphous silicon solar cells, cooperating with the Taiwan government to promote solar-powered water heating systems, facilitating the vigorous development of related industries.
ITRI built Taiwan’s first solar energy house to demonstrate solar energy system operations, building a demonstration house that used solar photovoltaic equipment to save energy.
ITRI developed a solar-powered medium-temperature heat collector, improving solar-powered medium-temperature heat collector-related technologies and applications.
ITRI developed the solar-powered solid adsorption refrigeration technology.
ITRI created Taiwan’s first energy-saving bus shelter that incorporated solar technology, LED lighting, and environmentally friendly building materials.
ITRI combined its thin high-gain antenna and solar panel power storage technology to create the Green Energy Antenna Technology.
ITRI presented the SideLighter technology, a lightguiding solar concentrator panel/film can be integrated with a small number of solar cells to develop a rooftop solar system that saves the cost of silicon cells substantially and is also transparent, which can be used in the windows of high-rise buildings, building materials, roofing materials, and solar power plants
ITRI helped FamilyMart build Taiwan’s first green energy convenience store on Taiwan’s national freeway. The overall design reduced electricity consumption by 20%, equivalent to a carbon emission reduction of approximately 74.4 metric tons per year.
ITRI developed the Easy Disassemble PV Module, overcoming the waste problems of traditional solar panels and effectively separating solar panel components for reuse.
ITRI and Formosa Plastics Corporation jointly developed a technology for dye-sensitized cell (DSC) applications in smart homes, and built a pilot production line with an annual production capacity of 100,000 DSCs at the Shalun Green Energy Technology Demonstration Site.
ITRI developed a weather- and corrosion-resistant nylon engineering plastic frame material, prolonging the service life of solar modules in coastal areas.
ITRI developed the TOPCon Solar Cell that features an open circuit voltage of greater than 700 mV and efficiency of 23.5%, making it one of the most competitive solar cells today.
The high-efficiency, easy-to-disassemble Easy Disassemble PV Module received an international certificate from TÜV Rheinland for solving the technical and economic challenges of recycling waste solar panels.
ITRI’s perovskite solar cell surpassed the photoelectric conversion limits of silicon solar cells.
