Latest Technology on Solar Cells
It is a good thing that studies and enhancements when it comes to solar cells are continuously being done. The solar cell may be a miniscule thing but it plays a really significant role when it comes to utilizing the alternative energy which the sun can provide. Solar cell is the key in finding sustainable energy which can cover for a big fraction of mankind’s demand for energy.
At this point, the demand for energy continues to increase because of escalating population and improving technology. The natural resources can no longer suffice and are fast depleting too. The good thing is that we can depend on the sun as a good source of energy.
The main problem when it comes to harnessing the energy from the sun is the cost of solar cell. Multiple solar cells are necessary to be able to come up with an effective panel. The Australian National University has come up with a technology which can lower the expenses for solar cells. It involves use of materials that are as conductive as monocrystalline silicon wafer but not as expensive.
Each solar cell has the capacity to convert sunlight directly to electricity. A typical photovoltaiccell has a wafer and silicon and both of which are not exactly cheap. The complexity of the production process makes the cells even more costly.
Australian researches have resulted to a new and more efficient way of producing solar cell. The thin sheets are created through a simpler process and it also reduces waste of silicon. This is called Epilift.
Epilift is a revolutionary process because it reduces the usage of silicon by 90%. This significantly affects the price of a single solar cell. The cells are also made to be more conductive and efficient in energy conversion.
The Epilift silicon wafer has three important properties which makes it outstanding. First is the improved thickness of the cell which increases the durability compared to the standard solar cell. Second is the added texture on the surface which allows the cell to trap more energy. The texture avoids reflection too. Third, Epilift also changed the way that silicon is used. There is a substrate which serves as a silicon base. Then on top of this is another thin layer of silicon that can be removed so that the base silicon layer remains effective.
Up to date, there are further studies, researches and experiments which are being done to constantly heighten the performance of solar cells while reducing its costs too. This will make utilization of solar energy more accessible not just to industries but to homes as well.
Considering the fact that an hour’s worth of sunlight that touches the Earth can already sustain for our energy demands, using solar energy can really give a lot of benefits. The only concern is that there should be proper collection of sunlight and a good system of conversion. With the relentless effort of institutions and governments, pretty soon we can all conveniently derive energy from the sun too. As individuals, we all have to take part in supporting such systems and improvements so that it will continue to flourish further.
Processing your request, Please wait....
