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Science SLIVER cell technology brings solar energy out into the Sun
Science SLIVER cell technology brings solar energy out into the Sun | SLIVER cell technology brings solar energy out into the Sun |
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| by William Atkins | |
| Friday, 26 September 2008 | |
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Science DiscussionsAustalian engineers and researchers Andrew Blakers , Klaus Weber, and their team from the Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems (CSES, pdf file) at the Australian National University (Canberra, Australia) have developed the new technology. As the name suggests, wafer-thin cells ([trademarked] Sliver cells) are the critical component of the system. The cells come about by taking a standard solar cell and cutting it into miniscule slices. The thickness goes from about 1 millimeter (from a standard cell) down to only 120 micrometers (in the new Sliver cell). One millimeter is equal to one thousand micrometers, so the new Sliver cell has a thickness of only 0.12 millimeter, as compared to 1 millimeter for the old cell. So, instead of one really thick solar cell, the new Sliver cell system has many more thin cells laid horizontally for a much larger area to collect solar energy. The transparent (see-through) and parabolic-shaped mirrors are also able to track the motion of the Sun across the sky. The system is able to reduce the size and cost of photovoltaic panels because less The trademarked SLIVER Cell system uses only about 10% of the expensive silicon that is normally used in solar panels. Page two continues the story. |
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