Markus Rinio

Markus Rinio is a **Professor in renewable energy - solar cells** at **Karlstad University** since 2012 and leads the **silicon solar cell research group**. He specializes in investigating defects in silicon solar cells, particularly their impact on performance, and employs advanced techniques like high-resolution 2D mapping (LBIC, dislocation density mapping) and automatic image analysis. His work focuses on next-generation solar cell structures, including defect engineering and material optimization.

Education:

• PhD in Physics: *Untersuchung der prozessabhängigen Ladungsträgerrekombination an Versetzungen in Siliziumsolarzellen* (2004), TU Freiberg.

Research Interests:

His research spans renewable energy, photovoltaic materials, and semiconductor physics. Key areas include:

• Defect characterization in multicrystalline silicon solar cells
• High-resolution imaging techniques (e.g., LBIC, µ-XRF)
• Material optimization via low-temperature annealing and hydrogen passivation
• Collaborations with institutions like Fraunhofer ISE (Germany), SINTEF (Norway), and MIT (USA).

Publications:

Rinio has published extensively on solar cell defects, material characterization, and process optimization. Recent work focuses on software tools (e.g., PVcheck) for system analysis and defect etching protocols.

Grants & Projects:

Current project: BUSSARD - Busbarless solar cells with passivated contacts for Next Gen Module Integration. Multiple externally funded initiatives on silicon solar cell improvements and defect mitigation.

Labs/Teams:

He leads the silicon solar cell research group at Karlstad University, collaborating with global partners to advance photovoltaic technologies.