The object
Blakers co-invented the PERC silicon solar cell, adding rear-surface passivation to increase a cell's electrical output. The physical device became a high-volume commercial photovoltaic architecture and a material contributor to the accelerating deployment of low-carbon solar power.
01
What Andrew did
Co-invented PERC silicon solar-cell technology with the UNSW photovoltaic team.
02
Why it matters
The Queen Elizabeth Prize recognizes the UNSW PERC team for a solar-cell design adopted in a large share of global production.
03
Living-status check
Australian National University's 2026 profile lists Blakers as professor and an active energy researcher.