I am encouraged by some research that is currently going on that is improving the efficiency of solar panels up and coming. This encouragement is based on designs I have seen in corollary manufacturing processes that could created a whole new industry.
It is a whole new research path that could greatly improve the energy retention otherwise seemingly at a standstill, although these manufacturing processes for solar panels are currently inexpensive.
I have been pondering these ideas for sometime now and since the move to electrics for transportation is now more important then ever as I open the door to the studious and bright innovators who wonder about these potentials.
New solar panel design could increase efficiency by 125%
Dr. Christian Schuster, researcher from the Department of Physics, told The Week news “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.” He added, “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.”
See also: Frogs, Foam and Fuel: UC Researchers Convert Solar Energy to Sugars
