Dr Jack COLWELL

Employment experience:

2018 – Now: Processing and Technology Engineer (SunDrive Solar, Australia)

2012 – 2018: Research Assistant and Course Tutor (UNSW)

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Education:

2014 – 2018: Doctor of Philosophy in Photovoltaic Engineering (UNSW)

2009 – 2013: Bachelor of Photovoltaics Engineering/Bachelor of Science (UNSW)

Research interests:

• Solar cell characterisation and optimisation

• Copper electroplating

• Defect analysis (in particular, Cu- related degradation)

Why is your research important?

Copper is the best low-cost alternative to silver for solar cell metallisation. Not only is it 1000x more abundant and 100x cheaper, but high-performance patterning can achieve efficiency boosts through reduced resistive and shading losses. The risk of copper penetration and defect formation in electroplated solar cells is one of the primary factors that has prevented the widespread adoption of copper metallisation in industry. Understanding the mechanisms of copper defect formation (impacts of illumination, temperature, diffusion barriers) on the long-term stability of copper-plated solar cells is fundamental if copper is to replace silver as the contact metal of choice in the international solar industry.

Why do you like research? 

There is something very rewarding about contributing to the growth of human knowledge. Even though your contribution might not seem big at first, it progresses that area of research. The challenge of throwing yourself at a problem and applying your expertise (or building it out more) to solve it is incredibly fulfilling.

What do you like to do when you are not saving the world?

Gaming (both digital and analog), cinematic escapism and building my LEGO empire.