Harnessing the sun

For as long as she can remember, Karin Hinzer has been fascinated by the power of the sun. "Every second, the surface of the sun produces 385 yottawatts (3.85×10²⁴ W) of energy," says Dr. Hinzer, Canada Research Chair in Photonic Nanostructures and Integrated Devices at the University of Ottawa. "Imagine if we could harness this energy in the service of society."

In support of this goal, Karin Hinzer and her fellow solar power researchers at the uOttawa SUNLab, located in the School of Informational Technology and Engineering, have received a grant of $250,000 from the federal government to team up with McGill and McMaster Universities as part of the NSERC Photovoltaic Innovation Network.

"Connecting with other universities will greatly improve our research into this emerging field," says Dr. Hinzer. "Together, we can build the industries of tomorrow right here in Canada."

The NSERC Photovoltaic Innovation Network (external site) is comprised of 29 top scientists and engineers working in the field of advanced solar cell research at 13 universities across Canada.

Notably, the Network will develop new intellectual property in solar cell technology for Canadian industry, ensuring that the latter will be able to meet strong domestic demand and compete in a rapidly growing global marketplace.

The Network will provide intensive training for 88 researchers over five years, providing highly skilled and creative employees to fill positions in industry and academia.

Text: Scott Blurton
Photo: Dwayne Brown
Published: April 2011