Silicon Research Will Transform Solar Cells

[jpak]

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=45919

Los Alamos, New Mexico Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist Alp Findikoglu has created a breakthrough in solar cells using aligned crystalline silicon (ACSi) and a buffer layer created through specially directed ion beams. The patent-pending ACSi technology is designed to create solar cells that combine the cost benefits of amorphous silicon films with the crystalline quality and performance characteristics of single-crystalline silicon.

"We are not using a new or unique material, but instead we are using a known material (silicon), and combining it with a unique technology to make high-efficiency, low-cost solar cells that, once fully developed, will be competitive with traditional, non-renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels," said Findikoglu.

Solar cells based on Findikoglu's ACSi film technology research are estimated to exceed 15% efficiency, proving that ACSi solar cells have the potential to match the efficiency of bulk crystalline solar cells. Also, it is estimated that optimized ACSi solar cells will cost 40% less than single-crystal solar cells.

"ACSi films can be manufactured in large sheets and rolls using fairly conventional manufacturing techniques," Findikoglu said. "The fact that we can manufacture this highly organized, highly efficient silicon-based material cheaply and in large sheets and rolls leads one to think about unique applications such as gigantic solar cells."

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[Joanne98]

1. Good news

[Javaman]

2. The question is: when? nt

[JohnWxy]

3. This could be significant. Getting the costs down is so important.

"ACSi films can be manufactured in large sheets and rolls using fairly conventional manufacturing techniques," Findikoglu said. "The fact that we can manufacture this highly organized, highly efficient silicon-based material cheaply and in large sheets and rolls leads one to think about unique applications such as gigantic solar cells."