OREANDA-NEWS. The Institut Photovoltaique dile-de-France (IPVF) has launched three ambitious R&D programs to optimize existing photovoltaic technologies in order to improve energy conversion efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs. France’s solar PV R&D center is partnered with Total, electric utility EDF, the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), the ?cole Polytechnique engineering school and Air Liquide. The overall aim is to enhance the competitiveness of photovoltaic cells and accelerate the adoption of solar energy worldwide. The projects represent a combined capital expenditure of around €30 million.

They are the first step in a longer-term program that will eventually comprise nine projects conducted in collaboration with the institute’s partners.
Created in 2012, the IPVF intends to become a leading global solar energy R&D, innovation and education center where industry and academic researchers work side by side.