Chief Technology Officer, Oxford PV
Chris is responsible for maximizing the commercial value of Oxford PV’s technology.
Chris’ experience spans markets across the world including the US, and he has helped companies large and small to manage their IP portfolios, broaden their scope of influence, and build successful and profitable businesses. His previous positions have included 10 years as Chief Technology and Scientific Officer with BOC, part of Linde, where he oversaw the global technology strategy and R&D for the €8 billion business.
Chris actively contributes to advancing the solar industry. He serves as a Board Member of the European Solar Manufacturing Council and a Steering Committee member of the European Technology and Innovation Platform for Photovoltaics (ETIP-PV). Since 2021 he has been the President of the International Thin-Film Solar Industry Association (PVthin). He also advises the SuperSolar Hub of the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (ESPRC). He is extensively published in international press and scientific publications and is a regular speaker and lecturer on integrated circuits and photovoltaics.
With his background as an educator, Chris is also passionate about promoting the role of STEM and enabling younger generations in building a sustainable future.
Chris began his career as an Assistant Professor of Engineering at Brown University, followed by 10 years at AT&T Bell Laboratories. He was a Fulbright-Hays scholar at the Université de Bordeaux and holds an MSc in engineering and a Ph.D. in materials science from Brown University.
About Oxford PV
Oxford PV is a pioneer and technology leader in the field of perovskite solar cells. The company was established in 2010, as a spin-out from the University of Oxford. It focuses exclusively on developing and commercializing a perovskite-based solar technology. A research and development site in Oxford, UK, and a pilot and production line near Berlin, Germany enables the accelerated transfer of its technology into industrial-scale perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cell manufacturing.
Oxford PV has achieved a world-record efficiency of 26.8% for its commercial-sized perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cell. The company has a clear roadmap to take this technology beyond 30% efficiency.
Solar panels built with Oxford PV’s solar cell technology will generate more power than comparably sized, silicon-only based PV technology – critical for delivering more affordable clean energy, accelerating the adoption rate of solar, and addressing the climate crisis.
For more information about Oxford PV visit www.oxfordpv.com
Tracing the history of photovoltaics one can identify key innovations along the way including the development of the diffused silicon solar cell, the emergence of higher efficiency silicon solar cells such as heterojunction, and the emergence of thin film materials. The latest perovskites have emerged as the best option for future high efficiency. These advances when combined with productivity improvements have dramatically driven down the cost of PV-generated energy. The investment profile tells a very different story. Global events have distorted the motivation to decarbonize with energy security toppling the climate crisis for investments. We will comment on how this may impact the drive to net zero. For completeness, the investment needed to scale perovskite technology will be presented.
Chief Technology Officer, Oxford PV