Advances in solar technology

It is not surprising that solar technologies have evolved considerably since they first made their debut in the 1960s. The need for renewable energy sources that are affordable has never been greater. This summer, there have been even more dramatic climate-related disasters, including heat waves that killed hundreds of people. Global warming is a scientific fact and the faster we wake up, the better. This contributes greatly to the technological advances we are seeing in the solar industry.

Previously solar photovoltaics (PV) were often seen as the wave of the future. Currently, technological advances have placed the industry in position for considerable growth. A series of exciting new inventions in solar PV technology also promises to aid in solar’s rise to energy prominence.

Advances in solar cell technology

Researchers have long been looking for methods and materials to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar cells. A solar PV array is comprised of hundreds, sometimes thousands of solar cells, that convert sunlight into electrical energy. The average solar cell is approximately 15% efficient, which means nearly 85% of the sunlight that hits them fails to get transformed into electricity. Therefore, scientists have been experimenting with new technologies to increase this light capture and conversion.

Light-sensitive nanoparticles

A group of scientists at the University of Toronto has discovered a new kind of light-sensitive nanoparticle called colloidal quantum dots, that scientists believe will offer a cheaper and more flexible material for solar cells. Specifically, the new materials use n-type and p-type semiconductors - but ones that can actually function outside. This is a unique discovery since previous designs weren't capable of functioning outdoors and were not practical applications for the solar grid. University of Toronto researchers discovered that n-type materials bind to oxygen - the new colloidal quantum dots don't bind to air and therefore can maintain their stability outdoors. This helps increase radiant light absorption. Panels using this new technology were found to be up to eight percent more efficient at converting sunlight.

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Gallium Arsenide, a new material that makes solar more efficient

Researchers at Imperial College University in London have discovered a new material - gallium arsenide - that could make solar PV systems 33 percent more efficient than current products. The solar cells are called "triple junction cells" and they're generally more efficient because they can be chemically changed in a manner that optimizes sunlight absorption. The new model uses a sensor-driven window blind that can track sunlight along with "light-pipes" that guide the light into the system.

Advances in energy storage

Scientists are also investigating ways to store energy produced by solar PV systems. Currently, electricity is mostly a "use it or lose it" type resource whereby once it's generated by a solar PV system the electricity goes to the grid and must be used quickly or vanish. Since the sunlight does not shine twenty-four hours a day, most solar PV systems only meet electrical demands for a portion of the day. Therefore, considerable electricity is lost. Several solar batteries on the market can store this energy, but even the most high-tech models are fairly inefficient. These batteries are also expensive and have a somewhat short shelf life, making them less attractive options for utility companies and consumers. This is why scientists are exploring different methods to store this electricity so that it can be used on demand.

Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar. The time for installing your solar energy system is now!

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