TalTech 5GSOLAR/Laboratory for Thin Film Energy Materials

09/07/2026

🔋 Looking back at the 4th ReNewPV Workshop & 16th European Kesterite Conference!

We proudly look back on the successful 4th ReNewPV Workshop & 16th European Kesterite Conference, which recently brought together researchers from across Europe and beyond in Tallinn, Estonia.

Over several inspiring days, participants shared the latest advances in thin-film photovoltaics, kesterite and antimony chalcogenide solar cells, novel materials, characterization techniques, and sustainable energy technologies. The conference provided an excellent platform for scientific discussions, knowledge exchange, and new research collaborations.

As the local organizing team, we would like to sincerely thank all speakers, participants, sponsors, and volunteers for making this event such a success. Your engaging presentations, insightful discussions, and collaborative spirit created an inspiring atmosphere throughout the conference.

We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this memorable scientific gathering and to strengthening the international photovoltaic research community.

📍 Tallinn, Estonia

02/07/2026

🔬🌍 Research is not only about experiments in the laboratory—it is also about collaboration, learning, and access to world-class research facilities.

Our PhD student Mike A. Koltsov recently visited the elektronen-synchrotron DESY in Hamburg, Germany, where he carried out X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements at the P65 beamline. The visit was made possible through the collaboration between our lab and researchers from UNIVERSITÄT LEIPZIG.

The beamtime provided a unique opportunity to characterize samples using advanced techniques and to work alongside experts in the field, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in materials science and photovoltaic research.

Read more about Mykhailo's experience in his own LinkedIn post:
🔗 https://t.ly/ZFYIN

We are proud to see our young researchers gaining valuable international experience and contributing to cutting-edge research. 👏

26/06/2026

🌍🔬 Our team had a fantastic opportunity to present our latest research at the 2026 E-MRS Spring Meeting in Strasbourg, France!

Our researchers participated in Symposium A: Thin-film Chalcogenide Materials for PV and Solar Energy Conversion, sharing recent advances in antimony chalcogenide solar cells and next-generation photovoltaic technologies. ☀️

🎤 We are especially proud that three of our PhD researchers delivered oral presentations:

👩‍🔬 Athulya Babu Suseela – Prospects in the Development of Ultrathin Sb2(S,Se)3 Thin Films by Close-Spaced Sublimation for Photovoltaic Applications.

👨‍🔬 Ernest Asare – Enhancing USP-deposited Sb2S3 Solar Cell Performance via Annealing Process for Interfacial Defect Passivation.

👩‍🔬 Hadeer Saleh – Conformal ultrathin Sb2S3 growth via interface modification for high V_OC semi-transparent solar cells.

👏 Congratulations to Athulya, Ernest, and Hadeer for their oral presentations. Special recognition also goes to Nicolae Spalatu, who played a key role in organizing the Renew-PV COST Action Session (COST Action CA21148), helping create an inspiring platform for scientific exchange and collaboration.

Events like E-MRS provide an excellent platform to share ideas, build collaborations, and advance the future of sustainable solar energy technologies. 🌱☀️

17/06/2026

The 4th ReNewPV + 16th European Kesterite Conference has begun in Tallinn – hosted here for the second time! ✅

09/06/2026

🎬✨ We have reached the final video in our researcher spotlight series!

In this video, Athulya presents the key results and achievements of her research, highlighting her contributions to the development of advanced photovoltaic materials and sustainable energy technologies. ☀️🔬
Her work reflects the dedication, innovation, and scientific curiosity that drive progress in renewable energy research.
💡 From laboratory discoveries to solutions with real-world potential, Athulya's research contributes to shaping a more sustainable future.

🎥 Watch the video to learn more about her research and scientific achievements.

🙌 Thank you for following our researcher spotlight series and getting to know the people and research behind our laboratory's scientific achievements. Stay tuned for more exciting science from our team!

05/06/2026

🎬🔬 Our researcher spotlight series continues!

This time, Ernest Adiyiah Asare shares the key achievements and findings of his research on antimony sulfide (Sb₂S₃) solar cells and sustainable photovoltaic technologies. ☀️

💡Through his work, Ernest has contributed to advancing our understanding of thin-film photovoltaics and developing more efficient approaches for next-generation solar energy solutions.
From innovative materials research to practical applications, his work helps move clean energy technologies closer to everyday use.

🎥 Watch the video to learn more about the science and discoveries behind his research.

04/06/2026

🎓✨ Congratulations to our newest Master's graduates!

We are proud to celebrate three students whose Master's theses were completed based on research carried out in our laboratory. Their work contributes to advancing sustainable photovoltaic technologies and materials research. ☀️🔬

📚 Jekaterina-Ketrin Roštšupkina
Development of selenization strategies for antimony sulfide
Supervisors: Ilona Oja Acik and Martin Jakoobi (KBFI)
📚 Robert Aleksander Liiv
Impact of post-treatment on Sb₂S₃ thin films and solar cells fabricated by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis
Supervisor: Ernest Adiyiah Asare
📚 Janek Reiljan
Development of recycling and reuse strategies for Sb₂S₃ solar cells
Supervisors: Jekaterina Sydorenko and Atanas Katerski

👏 A heartfelt thank you to the supervisors and everyone who supported and guided these students throughout this important stage of their academic journey.

We wish our graduates every success in their future studies, research, and careers! 🌟

03/06/2026

☀️🔬 Following our recent feature in Innovation News Network, we are excited to share a new research spotlight from our PhD student, Hadeer Hussien.

🎓 In this video, Hadeer introduces her research on Sb₂S₃ thin-film solar cells and demonstrates how advances in interface engineering, semi-transparent photovoltaics, and indoor energy harvesting can help shape the next generation of sustainable energy technologies.
⚡ From fundamental materials science to practical applications, her work contributes to photovoltaic solutions capable of powering low-energy electronic devices in everyday environments.

🌱🏠 How can solar energy work efficiently indoors? What innovations are bringing sustainable energy technologies closer to real-world applications?
🎥 Watch the video and discover how cutting-edge solar research is moving from the laboratory to everyday life.

28/05/2026

☀️ Exciting to see our research featured by Innovation News Network!

The article highlights the potential of environmentally friendly indoor photovoltaics and the work of the 5GSOLAR project in developing sustainable energy solutions for powering low-energy indoor devices and IoT technologies.

Read more here: https://t.ly/5ndRZ

Discover how the 5GSOLAR project is developing environmentally friendly photovoltaics for powering indoor appliances.

26/05/2026

🎬 Our video series continues with Chris, a post-doc researcher, presenting the results and key findings of his scientific work.

Discover the research, ideas, and innovation driving our lab forward! ✨