Yuchao Zhang

Dr Yuchao Zhang is a Research Associate in the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney). His research focuses on advancing solar cell technologies and manufacturing processes for industrial-scale photovoltaic production.

Dr Zhang's educational background includes:

• PhD in Photovoltaic Engineering from UNSW Sydney (2023)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours Class 1 and University Medal) in Photovoltaics and Solar Energy from UNSW Sydney (2019)

His research interests center on material consumption constraints for terawatt-scale manufacturing of silicon solar cells. He specializes in developing novel metallization processes to reduce material usage while maintaining efficiency. Dr Zhang currently serves as Chief Investigator and Technical Lead for two ARENA-funded research projects focused on sustainable manufacturing approaches.

Dr Zhang's technical expertise encompasses:

• Material consumption and manufacturing sustainability of industrial PERC, TOPCon, SHJ and tandem solar cells
• Silver-lean screen-printed contacts for industrial silicon solar cells
• Screen-printed aluminium contacts for Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact Solar Cells (TOPCon) and XBC Solar Cells

With 16 journal articles, 12 conference papers, and 3 conference presentations, Dr Zhang has established himself as an active contributor to the photovoltaics research community. His work addresses critical challenges in scaling solar technology to meet global energy demands while minimizing environmental impact and production costs.