Efficiency of Solar Cell Soon to Rise
February 16, 2006The idea of creating a “photon antenna” (a previously discovered technology that is being studied with renewed vigor) through nano technology that works somewhat like a coaxial cable, but for the attraction of light photons is currently being studied at both Penn State University and Boston College. The technology is gaining ground, and is being studied by numerous research organizations. Instead of a panel absorbing light passively (absorbing only the light that hits it directly), these photon antennas will attract
light and absorb them quickly, much faster than current solar panels. This idea, when commercially viable, will increase the efficiency of solar cells by 300-400%, an amazing advance in this technology. One of the main barriers of solar energy is its somewhat low efficiency. If solar energy can become competative to other types of energy, efficiency-wise, then it will gain a much larger stake in world energy production. Penn State is also creating a solar cell that can turn water into hydrogen and oxygen directly from sunlight. This is another breakthrough in solar energy and may help fuel the future hydrogen economy. Pictured above, these so called carbon “nanotubes” absorb light at a much higher efficiency than current photovoltaic technologies.
This could have an incredible impact on energy consumption, assuming prices aren’t rediculous. I can’t count the number of projects I’ve worked on where builders have decided not to add solar panels because of their relative inefficency.
It’s totally true…and once efficiency can be increased, hopefully through this method, economics will balance itself out. It might become truly desirable for a builder to have solar panels on a new project. Also, with increased efficiency, solar panels might become more popular in areas of less solar strength, like the Northeast, which is probably one of the densest areas of the country.