BRITISH TEAM DEVELOPS THIN SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS
by Jorge Chapa
The way that solar technology is advancing these days can only be described as truly exciting. The latest report: a team of British researchers from Durham University have developed light absorbing materials for use in the production of super-thin layer photovoltaics. These thin cells could be installed on homes or even moving cars, and could be significantly less expensive than their thicker counterparts.
The research team is being led by Ken Durose, from the Durham Centre for Renewable Energy. Why do we need thin layer photovoltaics? The more common thicker photovoltaics contain iridium and other rare and expensive materials. Thus, by creating thinner PVs, the cost of these panels will be reduced. Ideally, if the project pans out, these panels will be installed on homes to fulfill their power requirements and give back any excess power to the grid. Furthermore, if they are thin and light enough, they could be installed on moving vehicles.
“One of the main issues in solar energy is the cost of materials and we recognize that the cost of solar cells is slowing down their uptake.” said Professor Ken Durose.
+‘Thin-layer’ solar cells may bring cheaper ‘green’ power @ Durham University
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