New Solar Cell Technologies

A team of researchers at the University of Southampton has successfully recreated the natural process of photosynthesis within the field of photovoltaics – the process of using technology to convert solar energy into electricity.

In so doing, they have created a new breed of solar cells.

Photovoltaic Applications

The Southampton scientists are part of the locally-based School of Physics and Astronomy, and the lead scientist involved is Professor Pavlos Lagoudakis. Their photovoltaic technology replicates the process of light harvesting in order to use light as a source of previously unreached volumes of electricity and, thus, surpass present photovoltaic applications.

Where photosynthesis takes place in the natural world, the process of evolution has led to each molecule involved in the process having a function that works favourably with the infinitely ongoing transformation of light into energy. Science has taken this model and, with it, constructed devices incorporating minute components, each of which is meant to work with a specific purpose in mind.

“We looked at the ways that energy is funnelled in nature and through reverse engineering, using multiple nanoscale components, we designed and fabricated a hybrid photovoltaic device that can absorb light and efficiently convert it to electric current”, Professor Lagoudakis explained.

“These are early days but the possibilities for the application of this technology for environmentally-friendly energy production are very exciting”, he added.

Silicon Solar Cells

Meanwhile, in related news, US firm Silicon Genesis has created what it claims are the world’s first example of solar cell foils with a thickness of just 20 micrometres. In trials, they were discovered to have both strength and flexibility and, according to SiGen, their monocrystalline silicon materials cannot be classed under the heading of wafers or thin-films but, rather, simply as “foils”, in reference to their unique physical properties.

SiGen draws attention to how the application of such technology could extend many years into the future, with the company’s Chief ExecutiveOfficer of SiGen, Francois Henley, explaining its potential thus:

“The high efficiency potential of our 20-µm (micrometre) c-Si foil technology creates new opportunities for the solar PV industry.

“The flexibility of the foils allows for development of diverse applications such as building-integrated PV and flexible PV.

“This strengthens my belief that thin-film technology adoption will be limited by the cost and performance advantages of ultrathin PolyMax technology.”