
Checkerboard design of solar panel Credit: Dr Davide Zecca
New solar panel design could lead to wider use of renewable energy
Researchers say the breakthrough could lead to the production of thinner, lighter and more flexible solar panels that could be used to power more homes and be used in a wider range of products.
The study – led by researchers from the University of York and conducted in partnership with NOVA University of Lisbon (CENIMAT-i3N) – investigated how different surface designs impacted on the absorption of sunlight in solar cells, which put together form solar panels.
Electricity
Scientists found that the checkerboard design improved diffraction, which enhanced the probability of light being absorbed which is then used to create electricity.
The renewable energy sector is constantly looking for new ways to boost the light absorption of solar cells in lightweight materials that can be used in products from roof tiles to boat sails and camping equipment.
Solar grade silicon – used to create solar cells – is very energy intensive to produce, so creating slimmer cells and changing the surface design would make them cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
Dr Christian Schuster from the Department of Physics said: “We found a simple trick for boosting the absorption of slim solar cells. Our investigations show that our idea actually rivals the absorption enhancement of more sophisticated designs – while also absorbing more light deep in the plane and less light near the surface structure itself.
“Our design rule meets all relevant aspects of light-trapping for solar cells, clearing the way for simple, practical, and yet outstanding diffractive structures, with a potential impact beyond photonic applications.
“This design offers potential to further integrate solar cells into thinner, flexible materials and therefore create more opportunity to use solar power in more products.”
Carbon footprint
The study suggests the design principle could impact not only in the solar cell or LED sector but also in applications such as acoustic noise shields, wind break panels, anti-skid surfaces, biosensing applications and atomic cooling.
Dr Schuster added: “In principle, we would deploy ten times more solar power with the same amount of absorber material: ten times thinner solar cells could enable a rapid expansion of photovoltaics, increase solar electricity production, and greatly reduce our carbon footprint.
“In fact, as refining the silicon raw material is such an energy-intensive process, ten times thinner silicon cells would not only reduce the need for refineries but also cost less, hence empowering our transition to a greener economy.”
Data from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy shows renewable energy – including solar power – made up 47% of the UK’s electricity generation in the first three months of 2020.
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Solar panels
- Global Electronics Council (GEC) Announces Initiative To Advance Decarbonization Of Solar Panel Production
BL Media/ - The Global Electronics Council (GEC), a non-profit organization founded to promote sustainable electron ...
- Manpower shortage dims solar panel boom in Germany
Balancing on a sloping tiled roof, apprentice Pascal Ode installs a solar panel under the watchful eye of his trainer.The Berlin start-up offers long-term solar panel rentals, complete with ...
- ‘Severe financial impact’: Singapore solar panel providers alarmed by rooftop fire safety rules
After a recent audit, project developers are seeking clarity over a 2020 fire safety rule that mandates extra insulation on some rooftop projects. Some industry players say they had not expected their ...
- Train car lays solar panels between tracks in Switzerland
Solar is the future, after all it’s literally limitless energy provided by the Sun, but many argue that we don’t have enough areas for solar farms. Well, one Swiss company ...
- Solar panels to be installed between rail tracks for trial
Solar panels are being rolled out “like carpet” on railway tracks in Switzerland. Swiss start-up Sun-Ways is installing panels near Buttes train station in the west of the country in May, pending sign ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Solar panels
[google_news title=”” keyword=”solar panels” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Solar panel design
- Global Electronics Council (GEC) Announces Initiative To Advance Decarbonization Of Solar Panel Production
BL Media/ - The Global Electronics Council (GEC), a non-profit organization founded to promote sustainable electron ...
- ‘Severe financial impact’: Singapore solar panel providers alarmed by rooftop fire safety rules
After a recent audit, project developers are seeking clarity over a 2020 fire safety rule that mandates extra insulation on some rooftop projects. Some industry players say they had not expected their ...
- The Best Solar Companies in Virginia of 2023
The best solar companies in Virginia have various payment options, impressive guarantees, and top-quality panels so customers get the most for their money.
- Disposal of 80 million solar panels creates headache for recyclers
Australia is facing a quandary over how to dispose of 80 million solar panels expected to reach end-of-life status by 2035.
- Arizona utilities have long rejected covering canals with solar panels. Here's why that may change
Utilities in the past have said the structures would cost more and produce less energy, but now SRP and ASU are partnering to study possible effects.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Solar panel design
[google_news title=”” keyword=”solar panel design” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]