Solar Cells Soon to Be Cost Effective Enough For Widespread Adoption

While exploring some of Hulu's videos on the search for informative content, I came across a Program from Australia called Catalyst. Its a science program with focuses on the discovery and scientific breakthroughs. In episode 4 there is a segment on ANU (Australian National University) and their contributions Solar energy. They they developed a method of creating solar panels that are up to eight times more effective at generating energy from the sun than conventional solar panels. In the show they show an experiment with a computer fan. 2 solar panes next to each other are compared. One conventional solar panel and one with sliver technology. The sliver solar panels produce enough electricity to power the fan with 10% total exposure while the conventional solar cell needs up to 90% exposure to produce the same amount of energy. These sliver cells are also flexible and have the potential to be made into a cloth-like material to be work on a short or hat which could charge your smartphone. Also since they are so much more efficient, they can be spread out to make a transparent solar cell. The potential for this type of application is incredible. Office buildings that generate electricity form the sun shining through the windows, A green house that generates the power fuel an aeroponic system while allowing enough light through to grow vegetables that bring to mind visions of high rise urban farming.


Developed by ANU, sliver solar technology was introduced this year that the Intersolar trade show in Germany by Tranform Solar and their Australian partner, Origin Energy. Together they have 2 plants manufacturing these solar panels in the US and Australia. Some people estimate that the emergence of this technology will allow solar energy to finally compete with the cost of coal within the next 3 to 5 years. Right now the return on investment with Soar panels is 20 years. This breakthrough has allowed for the reduction in time needed for the solar cells to pay for themselves to 7 years.
Here's a link to the episode. The solar segment is about 10 minutes in...