SOLAR GETS CHEAPER (AUSTRALIA)

More work on making the dream of solar energy a reality, one scientific research project at a time.

Efficiency Boost Makes Solar Cells Cheaper
May 2, 2007 (University of New South Wales via Science Daily)

WHO
University of New South Wales’ ARC Photovoltaics Centre of Excellence, lead scientist (and PhD student) Supriya Pillai
thin film schematic (click to enlarge
WHAT
Pillai’s team reports increasing thin-film solar cell efficiency to 13-15%, a big step forward, taking the cost of an average home installation from $20,000 to $15,000.

WHEN
Reported in the upcoming issue of the Journal of Applied Physics.

WHERE
University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

WHY
- Thin film panels cost less because they have less silicon, an expensive substance in a competitive market. They have been only 8-10% efficient, whereas wafers are 25% efficient. 15% efficiency is considered commercially viable, making it possible to run an average house, excluding cooking and hot water, with a 10 square meter installation.
- The new technology deposits a “thin film” of silver on a silicon cell surface and heats it to 200 degrees Celsius, breaking the film into 100-nano bits which boost light trapping.
silver nanoparticle clusters
QUOTES
Dr Kylie Catchpole, co-author: "Most thin-film solar cells are between eight and 10 percent efficient…but the new technique could increase efficiency to between 13 and 15 percent. If they're below 10 percent efficient, then you can't really afford to install them, because it would take up too much of your roof area, for example, to power your house."