Transparent Solar Cell
Scientists, fabricators, and engineers are about to push photovoltaic energy even further with the creation of the efficient transparent solar cell. Hopes are that these solar cells will be of great use in windows, urban settings where the outer coating of buildings are made of them and indoor materials in flooring and wall covering. The uses of the transparent solar cell are many and will reduce our dependence on carbon based fuel greatly and that is a big step towards a world that is green and clean. These new developments in solar energy will allow more of us to be able to use solar energy as a more viable source of electricity.
Today we have solar cells that are often composed of crystalline silicone and have an efficiency level of about fifteen percent which is pretty good. They are heavy and take up a relatively large amount of space. They have other limitations such as having to be at a direct angle in order to receive the greatest amount of light and limited in the kind of light that they can use to absorb and convert light into energy. Basically, current technology is just too big to be flexible. The use of the technology that surrounds organic solar cells today makes these cells more attractive because they are much cheaper to produce than silicon based solar cells.
The real benefit of this transparent resource is also related to the adaptability due to the fact that it weighs less and is able to fit in many different places such on the sides of buildings and around curves. They are more efficient regarding their absorption of indirect sunlight as well as low light situations. This can all be related to its transparency and how it would work so well on windows of large structures to create heat, energy, and light.
Researchers are working hard to come up with ways that the organic and transparent solar cell can create enough electricity to be really useful and efficient enough to compete with fossil fuel. The goal of the scientific community regarding this is to build into them a photonic crystal and will make them more efficient allowing more infrared and ultraviolet light to be converted into electricity. The colors of the cells can be changed to suit the tastes of architects who are including this technology into their designs. This type of technology is called Building-Integrated Photovoltaic. It is hoped by many that this new transparent and organic solar cell will be the wave of energy for the future.
Today we have solar cells that are often composed of crystalline silicone and have an efficiency level of about fifteen percent which is pretty good. They are heavy and take up a relatively large amount of space. They have other limitations such as having to be at a direct angle in order to receive the greatest amount of light and limited in the kind of light that they can use to absorb and convert light into energy. Basically, current technology is just too big to be flexible. The use of the technology that surrounds organic solar cells today makes these cells more attractive because they are much cheaper to produce than silicon based solar cells.
The real benefit of this transparent resource is also related to the adaptability due to the fact that it weighs less and is able to fit in many different places such on the sides of buildings and around curves. They are more efficient regarding their absorption of indirect sunlight as well as low light situations. This can all be related to its transparency and how it would work so well on windows of large structures to create heat, energy, and light.
Researchers are working hard to come up with ways that the organic and transparent solar cell can create enough electricity to be really useful and efficient enough to compete with fossil fuel. The goal of the scientific community regarding this is to build into them a photonic crystal and will make them more efficient allowing more infrared and ultraviolet light to be converted into electricity. The colors of the cells can be changed to suit the tastes of architects who are including this technology into their designs. This type of technology is called Building-Integrated Photovoltaic. It is hoped by many that this new transparent and organic solar cell will be the wave of energy for the future.