| Plastic Solar Cells Heat Up |
| Written by Billy Shih | ||
| Monday, 23 April 2007 | ||
The future of plastic solar cells is looking hotter after scientists in the US and Korea baked them to a crispy 150 degrees Celsius. The cells reached up to 7% efficiency much higher than any plastic cell to date. Normally plastic cells only convert about 5% of light into electricity with 8% as the target to match low efficiency silicon solar cells on the market today. Scientists from the US and Korea found that the baking process boosts efficiency since it causes crystal patterns to form in the plastic that allows electrons to move more freely. While still not up to the 8% mark, they are hopeful that they will reach 10% efficiency. So why plastic? It is light, cheap and flexible, three things that silicon cells are not. Silicon solar cells perform at a much higher level, up to 40% efficiency, but their limitations will allow plastic solar cells to be used in low cost, light-weight applications. Source: New Scientist Environment and Metaefficient
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written by Erik , July 19, 2007 | ||
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Science, technology gadgets and...baby seals. We're in a bit of an eco-mess, but we've got the brains to lick any problem. And that's why EcoGeek.org publishes up to ten stories daily about innovations that are saving the planet.
And if that sounds interesting to you, then congratulations, you're an EcoGeek.
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Doing this will accomplish
1. Cooling the plastic solar, increasing its efficiency and lifecycle.
2. Recover heat from the same amount of available roof area. I suggested this to Donnie at the FSEC test lab a couple of years ago. He said - great idea but the NEC would eat my lunch for placing electricity so close to moving agua. Any idea on a new stance? Will plastic solve this problem?