ODTÜ-GÜNAM is a multidisciplinary research infrastructure that addresses the scientific, technological, and societal dimensions of solar energy technologies with a holistic approach. Our center contributes to Türkiye’s sustainable energy transition through its work in the following eight focus areas:
Silicon Photovoltaic Technologies (SiPV):
Research is conducted on high-efficiency PERC, TOPCon, HJT, and back-contact (IBC, XBC) cell architectures based on crystalline silicon solar cells. Cell design, material selection, and production processes are tested using a semi-industrial scale pilot line, with optimizations focused on efficiency and manufacturability.
Emerging Photovoltaic Technologies (EmPV):
Within the scope of new-generation solar cell research, technologies such as perovskite, tandem (2T and 4T), organic PV (OPV), and DASH are being developed. R&D activities cover a broad spectrum from material synthesis to device architectures and from laboratory prototypes to module-level applications.
Materials Development and Recycling Unit (MDR):
This division focuses on the local synthesis and optimization of carrier substrates, polymers, silver paste, and other functional materials used in photovoltaic applications. It also works on the environmentally friendly recovery of end-of-life PV panels, management of toxic components, and the design of sustainable materials.
Integrated Photovoltaics Unit (IntegratedPV):
This division focuses on the aesthetic and functional integration of PV systems into architectural, agricultural, transportation, and infrastructure surfaces. Colored, semi-transparent, and anti-soiling panels; BIPV and Agri-PV applications; and customized PV solutions for industry are developed in collaboration with industrial partners.
Power Electronics, Grid and System Integration Unit (Powering):
Research in this division centers on inverter technologies, energy management, hybrid system structures, and integration into smart grids. The laboratory infrastructure supports testing for energy conversion and system-level performance evaluations.
Concentrated Thermal Solar Energy Technologies Unit (ODAK):
Experimental research is conducted on parabolic trough collectors, solar simulators, and thermal energy storage systems in the field of solar thermal energy. ODAK operates in areas such as optical design, system integration, and efficiency optimization.
Social Research Unit (SolarSEED):
This division conducts research on the social, economic, and environmental impacts of solar energy technologies. Key themes include energy equity, social acceptance, circular economy, user behavior, and policy analysis. It also contributes to ODTÜ-GÜNAM’s entrepreneurship, commercialization, and social impact strategies.