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Photovoltaics research at UToledo
The Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization (PVIC) was established in January 2007, with nearly $50 million in support from the Ohio Department of Development and matching contributions from federal agencies and industry partners. PVIC has quickly emerged as a pioneering force in advancing the photovoltaic (PV) industry.
With a focus on accelerating the growth of the photovoltaic (PV) industry, PVIC is driving advancements in technology, reducing costs, and fostering innovation. Learn More
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PVIC News
04/7/2025 : RISE 2025 Applications Open — Former RISE Intern Now PhD Holder Shares Her Journey
03/21/2025: PVIC at The University of Toledo Leads the Charge in Solar Innovation as an R1 Research Institution
03/8/2025: Dr. Randall Ellingson Named Distinguished University Professor at The University of Toledo
12/17/2024: Ph.D. Candidate Sabin Neupane Defends Thesis on Group V Doping for High-Efficiency CdSeTe Solar Cells
12/3/2024: PVIC Researchers Set New Benchmark with 20.6% Efficiency in CdSeTe Solar Cells Using Bismuth Doping
Meet Hana El Sayed
Bachelor of Science in Medical Physics
"My experience at PVIC has been incredible! Working on cutting-edge research and writing code to control systems for thin film deposition has helped me grow as a researcher. The mentorship and support I’ve received from my professors at PVIC have opened doors to opportunities like my REU at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The skills and connections I’ve developed here have been invaluable to my academic journey."
Read MoreMeet Aesha Patel
Ph.D. in Physics (Materials Science concentration)
"My time at PVIC has been instrumental in shaping my research journey. The collaborative environment and access to advanced resources allowed me to develop crucial skills in thin-film solar research. This foundation enabled me to secure an internship at NREL, where I am contributing to cutting-edge CdTe solar cell technology for both terrestrial and space applications."
Read MoreMeet Samie Kummar
'23, Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, B.S. to M.S. Track
"My time at UToledo and PVIC has been incredibly rewarding. PVIC's multidisciplinary approach allowed me to explore solar cell technology from different perspectives, especially through my work on antimony sulfide solar cells. The guidance I received from Dr. Ellingson was invaluable in shaping my research and understanding of photovoltaics. PVIC's supportive environment has fueled my passion for renewable energy, and I'm excited to continue working in this field after graduation."
Read MoreMeet Ryan Madden
'22, Bachelor of Science in Physics, Applied Physics concentration
"My experience at UToledo and PVIC was awesome! PVIC provided amazing learning opportunities, allowing me to develop my skills and expertise, which propelled me into my passion and career at First Solar. The supportive and welcoming atmosphere was invaluable to my overall experience, along with the growth I made working with everyone."
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