Colored solar panels stuff of the future

Boffins at Jerusalem have developed a new kind of solar cell that is able to generate juice from diffused light thanks to a specialized colored panel. They do resemble colored plexi-glass but in reality are panes made with fluorescent dyes and nanoparticle metals which could more or less eclipse traditional solar panels in terms of price and cost. This more efficient panel will utilize 80% less silicon compared to standard solar cells, where it is able to handle direct or indirect sunlight which diffuses right across, helping concentrate the sunlight to the edges where the silicon is. This has resulted in a 12% efficiency rate, pumping out $2.10/W compared to around $4.54/W for a conventional panel. It is hoped to reach an efficiency level of 20% in due time.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Green
Tags: Eco (environment), Solar, solar panels