Experts from the University of Illinois have produced a manufacturing technique that could enable transparent solar modules to be printed onto flexible substrates using monocrystalline silicon, potentially paving the way for windows capable of generating solar power.
The research team, which published its findings in the latest issue of Nature Materials, has developed a way to create flexible solar surfaces using thin slices of common monocrystalline silicon material that are lifted off with a stamp and transferred to a substrate.
Unlike conventional solar panels, the transfer printing method used to produce the cells results in a thickness of around 100 nanometres.
"The efficiency of the microcells that we make now is about 12 per cent," said John A. Rogers, founder professor of materials science and engineering and a professor of chemistry at the University of Illinois. "This value is achieved with monocrystalline silicon as the active material, but with otherwise very simple designs.
"More advanced cell designs - such as anti-reflection coatings and light-trapping structures - that are already proven for conventional bulk cells should be applicable to our microcells. If that turns out to be the case, 20 per cent to 22 per cent efficiencies should be possible."
The ability to choose the spacing of cells in solar arrays will make it possible to alter the transparency of solar modules produced using the design, according to Rogers, which could open up applications for building-integrated photovoltaic (PV) systems.
"Flexible PV, in general, is quite attractive for integration on building rooftops and outer structural surfaces," he said. "Semitransparency enables integration with architectural or automotive glass."
Rogers is a co-founder of Semprius, a startup company that hopes to use similar semiconductor printing technology to produce thin semiconductor surfaces on various substrates. The company has highlighted flexible displays as a potential application for its technology.
US firm ditches solar windows in favour of new manufacturing technique for building integrated solar panels 11 Aug 2009
Thin-film solar maker says a new manufacturing site will help cut 350 million tons of C02 07 Sep 2009
Fibre optics used to magnify sunlight onto dye-sensitised solar materials 09 Nov 2009
Deal comes as module maker secures $50m loan for next-generation Pluto technology 03 Jul 2009
New PV solar farm to provide enough power for more than 11,000 households 05 Jun 2009
Long-awaited proposals for new 250mph network released 11 Mar 2010
Co-op vows to stop using oxo-degradable plastics as controversial research claims they have no environmental advantage over conventional plastics 11 Mar 2010
Developer of ultra-high temperature sensors secures £3m in latest funding round 11 Mar 2010
More news
Christian Kjaer, chief executive of the European Wind Energy Association, argues that a supergrid is essential to EU efforts to cut carbon emissions 11 Mar 2010
With the World Cup expected to provide a sales boost for television manufacturers, Hannah Hislop of the Green Alliance warns poor energy labelling will make it difficult for football fans to pick the greenest models 10 Mar 2010
Trewin Restorick wonders if the new Sustainable Restaurant Association can help green our cuisine 09 Mar 2010 More in-depth
Post your comment
Send an email to the Business Green editor at feedback@businessgreen.com
