Nano-Material Could Launch Solar Revolution

New solar cell technology could have the potential to revolutionise domestic solar energy production.

Scientists in Norway and the UK have developed an ultra-thin solar film capable of being attached to windows and generating power and, they report, the technology could be on the market by 2016.

While windows are one potential site for these films, other surfaces could equally be used: roof tiles and car sun roofs among them.

Nanoparticle Solar Cell

According to a representative from the University of Leicester – the British contributor to the project – the nanoparticle solar cell material was conceived by Norwegian firm EnSol AS, while the actual nanoparticle components were synthesised in the UK. These nanoparticles are metallic, boosting the material’s optical capabilities beyond those of traditional silicon cells.

“The basic cell concept has been demonstrated and it will be the objective of this research and development project to systematically refine this technology to achieve a cell efficiency of 20 per cent or greater”, an EnSol AS representative explained.

He continued: “A thin film deposition system with nano-particle source will be designed and constructed in collaboration with the University of Leicester for the fabrication of prototype cells based on this design.

“EnSol's next generation cell technology has tremendous potential for industrial scale, low environmental impact, cost effective production via standard 'spray on' techniques.”

Solar Cell Technology: Nano-Material

The solar cell technology incorporates nanoparticles that measure just 10 nanometres across and sit in a see-through matrix.

“The material has been designed by EnSol AS and is based on nano-particles that can be synthesised in Leicester”, Leicester University’s Professor Binns – a key project researcher – commented.

“The work is important since the solar cells are based on a new operating principle. Obviously some light has to be absorbed in order to generate power but the windows would just have a slight tinting.

“Also since it is a thin film that can be coated onto large areas it could become very much cheaper than conventional devices.

“The coating would be built into the windows or other materials as part of the manufacturing process. It could even be used on the roofs of cars to charge up batteries - although powering the vehicles themselves would probably be pushing it.”

Enviro News will present further coverage of this new solar cell technology in future News Items.

See also:

Silicon Solar Cell Innovation

Energy Efficient Printable Solar Cell Technologies