soalr cell News

NREL Sets New World Record for Solar Cell Efficiency

Thin Film made by Iowa Thin Films (DOE)

From time to time the National Renewal Energy Lab (NREL) reminds us that the US used to be a leader in innovation. This time it’s in the area of solar thin film technology. The goal with solar thin film technology is to surpass the efficiency level of silicon solar cells. Efficiency refers to the rate at which sunlight falling on a solar cell is converted to electricity. Silicon has been the most efficient material, but it is is expensive and limited, so the world is seeking alternatives. (Picture above from the Dept. of Energy shows thin film manufactured by Iowa Thin Film Technologies.)

NREL has set a new world record using CIGS (copper indium gallium diselenide) thin film, which in tests has reached 19.9 percent efficiency, coming very close to the 20.3 percent level of multicrystalline solar cells.
(more…)

Tags: , , ,
Posted in How Solar Works | No Comments »

Are you a California homeowner interested in solar? Get a free solar financial analysis from Renewzle and find installers in your area.

Get Started

Recent News

  • Renewable Energy Increases Home Values

    BuildingGreen.com features a story on the value that renewable energy can add to a home. Amy Levin, a realtor who completed a LEED platinum registered gut rehab in Washington, DC, had her home appraised at 10% higher value than comparable properties. Interested buyers made offers that exceeded her green investment costs, even [...]

  • Top 10 Renewable Energy Technology Gadgets

    There are a lot of cool gadgets out there, but there’s a fine line between what’s cool and what’s useful. This is a green list of gadgets that are useful, but boast the extra-cool factor of using renewable energy. No batteries required!
    10. The Ship has Landed
    The lightship is a solar-powered LED mounted on suction cups. [...]

  • National Renewable Energy Lab Sets Record for Solar Cell Efficiency

    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the United States has announced that a new device developed by its scientists can convert 40.8 percent of light that hits it into electricity. This bests the previous record of 40.7 percent set by a different organization.
    According to NREL spokesman George Douglas, the new device is both thinner and [...]

  • 1 Block Off the Grid Rolling Out California’s Largest Community Solar Initiative

    San Francisco-based 1 Block Off the Grid (1BOG) announced today that it is teaming up with Real Goods Solar for a 100-home solar campaign in the city. 1 Block Off the Grid is an initiative set on driving renewable energy adoption for residential use through the use of education, private finance, and community purchase programs.
    Essentially, [...]

  • Solar Power Clothing Makes Charging Electronic Devices Easy

    Solar-powered clothing could be the next big trend for environmental enthusiasts. Researchers at North Carolina State University have designed a process called digital textile printing that makes it possible for solar panels to be fitted into jackets and ties.
    The wearable solar panels act much like batteries when energized. With a consistency similar to paper, the [...]

  • See All News