Research

The laboratory research is organized into two major thematic areas.

Applied Materials

Research in applied materials focuses on functional materials, surface science, and nanomaterials for technological applications.

Major research topics include:

  •     * Surface and interface physics
  •     * Thin film materials & transparent conductive oxides (TCOs)     
  •     * Nanomaterials synthesis and characterization
  •     * Functional coatings and colloid 
  •     * Materials for energy applications
  •     * Optical and electronic materials

Special attention is given to materials that improve the performance of photovoltaic and energy devices.

Solar Energy

Solar energy research aims to develop efficient and sustainable photovoltaic technologies.

Research topics include:

Silicon-Based Solar Cells

Research focuses on:

  •     * Performance analysis of silicon photovoltaic modules
  •     * Degradation mechanisms
  •     * Solar panel efficiency improvement
  •     * PV system optimization
  •     * PV reliability

Perovskite Solar Cells

PV Forecast and Resource Assessment

Perovskite solar cells are one of the most promising next-generation solar technologies.

Research, in our lab and trough international collaboration, activities include:

  •     * Perovskite thin-film fabrication
  •     * Stability improvement
  •     * Interface engineering
  •     * Device performance optimization

The laboratory conducts research on:

  •     * Solar resource assessment in Ethiopia
  •     * Photovoltaic potential mapping
  •     * Energy yield forecasting and device reliability 
  •     * Solar radiation and its impact 

These studies support solar energy planning and energy policy development