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We don't know exactly what the folks at Nanosolar are up to, but they're impressing a lot of folks, and that's pretty exciting. They're definitely working on roll-to-roll printing of thin film CIGS solar cells, and they have been saying for ages that it'll be way cheaper than traditional silicon.
But, so far, we at EcoGeek haven't seen any proof of that decreased cost per watt. However, as they've recently attracted $100 M in funding from venture capital, and an additional $20 M grant from the US Department of Energy, we're willing to suppose that there's something up their sleeve.
The $20 M from the DOE is the largest grant being given out as part of the Solar America Initiative. Other awards were given to GE, SunPower and Others. But while Nanosolar is still working on becoming the leader of the pack, it'll come down to more than just funding. Nanosolar's technology is going to have to prove superior to other well-funded, thin-film manufacturers like Masole and Heliovolt.
Via Earth2Tech
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written by Jeff Worth, October 11, 2007
Reading the comment above jarred a thought. Because of the nature of CIGS thin film photovoltaic, each cell is it's own collector so, a square foot of this material is way more efficient than a square foot of conventional photovoltaics that are currently on the market. In addition the spectrum of light that can be converted is greater, makiing this material ideal for climates like Seattle or Europe for that matter.
The US is behind the curve when it comes to Solar however we have a unique ability to come up with creative solutions that are driven by private equity. Once an idea catches fire there is no other place in the world that can keep up with our pace of innovation and development.
The momentum is shifting. It should be fun to take part in this new industrial revolution of the 21st century.
The US is behind the curve when it comes to Solar however we have a unique ability to come up with creative solutions that are driven by private equity. Once an idea catches fire there is no other place in the world that can keep up with our pace of innovation and development.
The momentum is shifting. It should be fun to take part in this new industrial revolution of the 21st century.
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written by Fredric Wiebe, January 01, 2008
re. the comment about spraying or otherwise coating a entire roof into a solar panel.
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written by Fredric Wiebe, January 01, 2008
re. the comment about spraying or otherwise coating an entire roof into a solar panel.
Just as each different type of battery has its own voltage characteristics, based on the electromotive series, photovoltaic devices do also. A silicon solar cell is 1/2 volt. An entire roof would produce a lot of current at 1/2 volt or whatever the flexfilm material voltage is.
Instead, some kind of paneling will be needed to build the voltage to a useful level, and then the size of each paneling piece will determine the current relative to the capability of the materials used.
Just as each different type of battery has its own voltage characteristics, based on the electromotive series, photovoltaic devices do also. A silicon solar cell is 1/2 volt. An entire roof would produce a lot of current at 1/2 volt or whatever the flexfilm material voltage is.
Instead, some kind of paneling will be needed to build the voltage to a useful level, and then the size of each paneling piece will determine the current relative to the capability of the materials used.
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written by Noel Eberhardt, January 02, 2008
Printed solar cells is a great first step. Now watch for someone to develop an "appliance" of the inverter & battery electrical apparatus making easy installation. The Japanese will likely be the first for such an "appliance."
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written by Deris Jeannette, January 02, 2008
While expensive ($10 per watt) and barely efficient (12-15%) solar electric panels are making most of the renewable energy headlines these days, keep in mind that only 1/4 of your annual utility bills are paid to the electric power producers.
Over half your bill is for heating air and the balance for heating water. Solar thermal, which includes forced air and water heating haven't gotten the attention they deserve because solar hot air (at 75-80% efficiency) only costs about $1 per usable watt to install, and water heating (at 30%) is about twice that. And you don't need to take out a second mortgage on your home to buy and install these panels because they are 1/7 the price and don't require government intervention. So while Solar PV is racing for the magic 20% efficiency mark, you already have the most efficient and least costly products available and ready to install that can keep you comfortable in you own home. Have a look at www.cleardomesolar.com. and do a search for solar forced air and water heating to learn more.
Over half your bill is for heating air and the balance for heating water. Solar thermal, which includes forced air and water heating haven't gotten the attention they deserve because solar hot air (at 75-80% efficiency) only costs about $1 per usable watt to install, and water heating (at 30%) is about twice that. And you don't need to take out a second mortgage on your home to buy and install these panels because they are 1/7 the price and don't require government intervention. So while Solar PV is racing for the magic 20% efficiency mark, you already have the most efficient and least costly products available and ready to install that can keep you comfortable in you own home. Have a look at www.cleardomesolar.com. and do a search for solar forced air and water heating to learn more.
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written by Murray Ceff, January 02, 2008
There is a very interesting company in Australia called Dyesol http://www.dyesol.com, that uses what is basically artificial photosynthesis to create electricity from the sun. Very innovative and commercially viable right now from what I can see.
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written by david marsalek, January 09, 2008
I checked out the Dyesol website and I like the looks of what them blokes are coming up with down under. That's amazing! yeah it's a truly exciting time to be an investor. So much growth and opportunities abound, especially when it's towards companies that stand to change the very world as we know it through their technological breakthroughs and offerings. cheers. my personal favorite so far is ESLR (evergreen solar) in that the stock price isn't through the roof and their products are top notch. The company just scored a large amount of the silicone needed to produce their solar panneling (10 years worth or something like that). they will profit sometime in the next 5 years
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written by Mike Matthews, March 14, 2008
Deris Jeannette wrote:
That's clearly not true here in Houston. My electric bill is easily 2-5 times as high as my gas bill year-round, except maybe 1 month in the winter when they're about even.
keep in mind that only 1/4 of your annual utility bills are paid to the electric power producers. Over half your bill is for heating air and the balance for heating water.
That's clearly not true here in Houston. My electric bill is easily 2-5 times as high as my gas bill year-round, except maybe 1 month in the winter when they're about even.
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written by Uncle B, August 14, 2009
Good thing air gets denser and yields more power from windmills in colder climates! I live about 40 miles as the crow flies from the Darlington Nuclear Plant, and will concentrate on super-insulation to reduce my heating bills! Most North Americans have plenty power, they waste it through poor usage, and poorer insulation! Obama's Greens should jump on this too! not just solar cells to make electricity! Canada - all CFLs now, and the ones from China are the best, Holland next, American ones burn out fast and easy just like their cars! Figures! Insulation, then LED's when they get practical pricing!
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Imagine every roof in all of New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada made with this stuff. Being here in Seattle, they'd have to work on the efficiency for cloudy weather before I'd want to adopt it here. Anything is possible.
The video I watched was a Google Video showcasing Energy Conversion Devices. http://video.google.com/videop...5306582056