Using colored dyes instead of silicon for solar cells
Again, as we pointed out in a previous posting, solar power is likely the most environmentally source of power available, but there are problems associated with it. Currently, solar cells are not cheap enough, nor are they powerful enough to replace much of our existing power generation methods. The fact that they are environmentally friendly alone is not enough to overcome the problems associated with the almighty dollar. Additionally, the current process of creating solar panels uses silicon, which, although there is plenty of it, is expensive to process.
Researchers in New Zealand, however, hope to achieve less expensive cells while making their manufacture more eco-friendly in the process. This technology uses synthetic colored dyes, using compounds related to those used in nature for photosynthesis. This technology is not ready to bring to market, but they do have a working proof-of-concept. They believe that they could be commercially viable in as little as two years. I have posed this idea before, but how about the tinted windows of your car charging the vehicles' battery?
Thanks for the tip, Ray!
[Source: Stuff.co.nz]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tony Belding 11:46AM (4/07/2007)
A process that gets highly processed silicon out of solar cells is worth pursuing, and I hope it works out.
I have to say something about that last comment, though, about using tinted windows as solar collectors. . . .
I honestly do not understand why everyone is so obsessed with putting solar panels onto the car itself. The energy produced would power the car only a very short distance per day (perhaps a couple of miles?), and it would require leaving the car exposed to the elements all the time. I was always taught a car needs to be garaged, or under a carport at least, to protect it and extend its life span.
We should remember that cars require a lot of energy and industrial resources to manufacture. Thus, anything that extends the service life of the car is good for the environment too. Due to their mechanical simplicity, electric cars potentially could have twice the life span of gasoline powered cars -- if they are properly cared for. I suspect keeping them out of the weather will ultimately prove better for the environment and for your pocketbook than trying to make the car double as a solar collector.
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Chris M 5:58PM (4/08/2007)
At the current high price for photovoltaics, it doesn't make sense to put them on a car, where they will frequently be shaded, and rarely face the sun directly for maxumum power output. Better to locate them at a spot where they will get maximum sun.
If the price of photovoltaics drops dramatically, to well under $1 per watt, then it might become practical for automotive use.
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