Up until now, silicon has been the primary product in the manufacture of solar cells. It shininess unfortunately makes sunlight reflected back into the sky. Scientists braggone.com have thought up a new idea to allow solar cells to capture more photo energy, converting even more into electricity than before by introducing hydrogen into the cells yet remain cost effective.
An anti reflective coating is used on the panels to reduce reflected light. Made in a simple spray coat and bake and repeat process, they can effectively fine tune the optics by introducing nanometer thick layers of molecularly tailored materials. It can therefore increase the mega watt production, but at a much lower cost.
From the gizmag.com article:
 Dr. Paul Williams, vice president of business development at Braggone said the company is “minimizing the optical loss in solar cells and modules [by] capturing as much light as possible in the cells by taming the physics.â€
The process has manufacturers looking to introduce flexible modules to make windows and buildings into huge solar panels as well as residential systems that are easy to install.The process is a breakthrough for silicon makers, but can also be used in thin film photovoltaics and solar module manufacturing. This breakthrough will have a positive effect on the development of how and where solar cells are used.
“A chicken in every pot, a solar cell on every home??’ We can only HOPE!
