Currently, researchers at MIT are developing transparent solar cells. This new technology could enable windows to generate their own electricity without obstructing the view. Photovoltaic cells could be coated onto a pane of standard window glass. These cells could then utilize infrared radiation to create energy, while still allowing visible light to pass through. The energy could then be used to power lights and other devices. Photovoltaics is the direct conversion of light into energy via the photoelectric effect, in which electrically charged particles are released upon the absorption of photons of EM radiation.
The best thing about this development is that it would be significantly less expensive than installing solar panel systems. What makes solar panels so expensive are the installation costs and the glass. But since this new technology would utilize existing infrastructure, the cost of installing them would be significantly lower. Another benefit is that the photovoltaic cells use organism molecules instead of silicon like some other solar cells. Since the energy would be coming directly from the sun, it represents a much cleaner way to get energy than burning carbon-containing fuels. Plus the sun is highly abundant, renewable energy source.
The downside is that the efficiency level is not yet up to par with existing solar panel technology. The highest efficiency that the solar cells have been able to reach is 1.7%. They’re hoping they can get it up to 12%, but even that would not be very efficient. This inefficiency occurs because some of the enrgy is reflected by the cell and some of the energy is transformed into heat. Another concern is that because the technology is so new, they have not yet been able to establish the lifetime of the photovoltaic cells.
Another downside is that the sun does not shine everywhere always. The energy can be stored using batteries for use at night, but this is still an inconvenience. The researcher at MIT see photovoltaics as one of a variety of green energy sources that will be needed to make the transition away from fossil fuel towards clean, carbon-free energy. I like the idea of this, but it is too early to see how effective it will be.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2002/solarcells/
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2011/transparent-solar-windows-0415.html
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I found an article related to your topic of photovoltaic cells. The article talks about the use of these new cells in microelectronics. Instead of the way previous solar powered electronics functioned with a separate battery being charged by the solar power, the photovoltaic cells can be placed directly on the chip. These cells cut out the need for the 'middle-man' battery and power the device directly. The use is very limited currently, but the applications should it become usable in higher powers would be nearly limitless!
Here is the article:http://www.gizmag.com/microelectronics-built-in-solar-cells/17407/
This seems like a great way to get around the heavy installation costs for PV cells in someone's home. Being able to place cells over all of the windows in your house would be a great way to generate electricity cheaply and take dependence off of the power grids. I also saw some cool articles you might be interested in when I was searching that talked about researchers making "leaf based" solar cells using synthetic chlorophyll, and these were capable of being a lot more efficient! I mean if plants can do it every day, why can't we? :)
Excellent and helpful post… I am so glad to left comment on this.
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