Chairmens Message

Matthew Wright

Dear nPV enthusiasts,

I am delighted to invite you to join the 2025 nPV Workshop, to be held in the historic city of Oxford, UK. We believe the world-leading academic institution of Oxford is a fitting backdrop for the cutting-edge science to be displayed at this event.

In its inception – more than a decade ago – the nPV Workshop was designed to cater for interest in n-type silicon PV technologies. At the time, PV manufacturing was completely dominated by cell architectures based on p-type wafers. N-type technologies held the potential to deliver high efficiencies, however, in practice, these cell architectures were dwarfed by their p-type counterparts. As we fast forward to 2025, this prescient interest in n-type technologies has proved fruitful. Last year, new installations were dominated by n-type tunnel oxide passivating contact (TOPCon) cell designs. Additionally, LONGi announced a new silicon heterojunction (SHJ) cell efficiency record of 27.3%, a feat that seemed a world away when manufacturing was dominated by aluminium back surface field (Al-BSF) and then passivated emitter and rear (PERC) cells. As we enter this new world, dominated by n-type technologies, the nPV Workshop will continue to deliver discussions on the latest cutting-edge science, as well as pressing problems facing industry.

As remarkable progress with n-type technologies is made, the fundamental issues requiring attention undergo a shift. In 2025, we have revamped the program to reflect this change. The focus will shift away from defects in the silicon bulk towards high efficiency cell architectures. As such, this year will include a dedicated session on n-type silicon bottom cells for perovskite/silicon tandems. Additionally, the rapid expansion in production volumes means that issues regarding sustainability of materials becomes more pressing. This year will include an enhanced focus on the impact of sustainability concerns on n-type cell manufacturing routes. We believe this subtle change of course in the program will mean that attending the 2025 nPV workshop will allow you to become truly up to date with the salient issues of fundamental research as well as industrial manufacturing.

This will be the first time the nPV Workshop has been hosted in Oxford. In addition to the strength of the scientific program, attending the nPV Workshop will allow you to be immersed in the rich history of Oxford. You will be able to stroll the cobbled streets once frequented by J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S Lewis, drink a (slightly warm) beer in a homely, ancient pub or enjoy tea and scones in one of Oxford’s many old coffee houses.

I look forward to welcoming you to Oxford in April 2025!

Matt