Researchers at Empa (the Swiss national research laboratory) have achieved a new record in thin-film solar cell efficiency. The flexible solar cells are made from copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS), and these cells have achieved an energy conversion efficiency of 18.7 percent.
The previous record of 17.6 percent was achieved only a year previously (and by the same research group, too). This represents more than 6% improvement in the course of only a year. While that's not indicative of a larger trend, it is still a positive development.
Other kinds of solar cells have higher efficiencies, but the importance of thin-film efficiency has to do with economics of manufacture. Thin-film solar cells are inexpensive to produce, and, because of their physical flexibility, they are adaptable for use in a range of applications. Thin-film solar cells also offer perhaps the best possibility for cheaper-than-coal electricity.
Link: Empa Press Release (in German)
via: Treehugger
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written by melons, June 02, 2011
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written by smooter, June 07, 2011
At some point, we have to be satisfied enough with the efficiency we have achieved, get it to general public to use. That doesn't keep us from developing better or more efficient technology, but it does at least get it into the hands of the people that can benefit from it!
At this point, we are going to continue in a perpetual "improving" cycle where we never get to see any of this green/solar/etc. benefit because we are constantly thinking we can make it "better".
Yeesh!
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written by Norman, June 08, 2011
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written by Blueyes, June 09, 2011
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written by Brajesh Chandra, June 09, 2011
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written by Brajesh Chandra, June 09, 2011
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written by tom, January 22, 2012
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