UT lands major $7.4 million grant from Air Force to develop more efficient solar cells

https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2019/08/10/university-of-toledo-lands-major-7-4-million-grant-from-Air-Force-to-develop-lighter-flexible-and-more-efficient-solar-cells/stories/ [login to see] 4
The University of Toledo’s long commitment to solar power has led to a whopping $7.4 million grant over five years to have its physics and astronomy department try to develop lighter and more efficient solar cells for the Air Force.

Tandem technology cells the department is being asked to produce could someday become a primary source of energy used to keep satellites in orbit. Or they could be used to help power manned fighter jets used in combat, or large military drones used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

“We’re really excited about this award,” Randall Ellingson, UT physics and astronomy professor, said.

The award will support the work of eight UT faculty members, each of whom will have graduate students working for them. So the project will likely involve 20 to 25 people at any given time, and 50 to 60 people over the life of the grant, he said.