Dyesol Ltd., Australia, signed a letter of intent with Tata Steel, UK, which provides a first right of refusal to distribute its proposed steel substrate based 3rd Generation photovoltaic products through TSUK’s extensive product distribution channels in order to bring BIPV (building integrated photovoltaics) to the UK and European markets.
The agreement is for five years and provides Dyesol with priority to exploit TSUK’s extensive distribution network should Dyesol develop a viable product and TSUK decide that solar PV meets its strategic objectives. The agreement does not impose exclusivity upon Dyesol and it is free to explore other avenues of distribution, particular in markets where TSUK does not have a meaningful presence.
Dyesol’s milestone-based plan has key targets including development of large area prototypes by 2016, pilot line production by 2017, and mass production by 2018. Glass followed by steel are preferred substrates, allowing access to almost the entire building envelope. Dyesol expects its revised product range to address opportunities in both free standing and BIPV installations. It is currently conducting detailed cost analysis, but expects its solid-state dye solar cell (DSC) technology to compete very favorably with poly and mono crystalline silicon, especially in low light climates, thereby adding very substantially to its commercial potential.
The advent of solid-state DSC which uses an exciting class of sensitizer compounds known as perovskites has provided the 3rd Generation of PV with a competitive edge in terms of lowering costs and enhancing durability or product life. Dyesol intends to inform the market of its detailed competitive levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) analysis once it is complete and validated.
