Preface to Special Topic: Selected Papers from the First Nanotechnology for Next Generation High Efficiency Photovoltaics Conference - NextGen Nano Photovoltaic, Cargèse, Corsica Island, France, 2013

The main idea of the NextGen Nano Photovoltaic (PV) Conference was to share the experience of researchers and engineers focused on new concepts at the nanoscale, where one can change the architecture of the solar cell and open new opportunities for low-cost processes to capture light, convert it, and then move charges through the solar cell structure. The timing of these two combined events (workshop and spring school in parallel) was excellent as these technologies could have a dramatic impact on efficiency, help produce low-cost devices and reduce the quantity of materials used, and thus lead the way to a true technological breakthrough leading to the mass deployment of photovoltaic technologies.