Open Science: New Challenges and Opportunities for the PV Sector

Abstract

The concept of Open Science (OS) embraces a great number of practices targeted to promote more transparent and reproducible scientific processes. This, combined with the implementation of public engagement processes from the research community, drives us to a more collaborative and accesible science, where the chance of generating systemic and disruptive innovations can grow exponentially. In this work we show how a group of researchers have designed a methodology for assisting engineering researchers in the adoption of Open Science. This methodology is being applied along the full research cycle to produce six research outputs in the Photovoltaic (PV) field: a PV ageing model, an in-situ repairing methodology for PV modules, a PV-assisted irrigation system, PV heat pumps, a novel micro-concentrator system. and three-terminal tandem solar cells based on silicon and perovskites. We show how we are putting an Open Science approach into action in such research activities, so that PV innovations are better aligned with the society’s expectations, needs and values, enabling at the time more reproducible, transparent and collaborative science.