Oxford University scientists discover new solar cell technology

Solar power is a key element in the push for more renewable energy, but current solar technology still has weaknesses. A new technology discovered at the University of Oxford may make solar power generation more efficient, removing the need for large solar farms full of silicon-based panels.

Image Credit

Current Solar Technology

We currently rely on solar panels to generate power from sunlight. These can be attached to rooftops with the help of installers such as https://gsmlimited.com/services/solar-panels, but to maximise production, giant solar farms have been created with rows of panels filling entire fields.

This approach is reasonably effective, but there are still concerns about the sourcing of the materials used to manufacture the panels, how efficiently they are able to run, and how they can be disposed of when they come to the end of their natural lifespan. Protests have also been made about the size of some proposed solar farms.

Non-Silicon Solar PV Technology

Scientists at the University of Oxford have been experimenting with a new kind of light-absorbing material. Called perovskite, it is around 150 times thinner than the silicon used to coat solar panels, and very flexible. This allows it to be easily stacked in multiple layers (the multi-junction approach), as opposed to the traditional single layer.

The perovskite technology works as a coating that can be applied to almost any surface. Rather than being limited to silicon panels, it could be used to cover cars, buildings or even mobile phones.

Currently, about 22% of the sunlight received by silicon-based panels is converted into energy. Research suggests that the new solar cell may have 27% efficiency, with the potential to go even higher.

Image Credit

This means more power can be generated from a smaller source, without needing large infrastructure like solar farms. This could potentially lower costs as well as improving performance and reducing waste.

Green energy is an area of constant innovation as science continues to try to improve its efficiency. The new solar cell technology discovered in Oxford may take us another step toward the goal of completely clean and sustainable power.