Perovskite Solar Cells Supercharge Electricity Production
Even a relatively small initial supply of the new cells could bring solar power to remote locations that are not yet connected to any electrical grid
Jeffrey Carbeck | June 23, 2016
The first major limitation of silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells is that they are made from a material that is rarely found in nature in the pure, elemental form needed. While there is no shortage of silicon in the form of silicon dioxide (beach sand), it takes tremendous amounts of energy to get rid of the oxygen attached to it. Typically, manufacturers melt silicon dioxide at 1,500 to 2,000 degrees Celsius in an electrode arc furnace. The energy needed to run such furnaces sets a fundamental lower limit on the production cost of silicon PV cells and also adds to the emissions of greenhouse gases from their manufacture.
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| "The development of cheaper and more efficient solar cells is crucial for the advancement of solar energy, so scientists are looking into the production of new technology. Perovskite solar cells, a cheaper form of technology, is quickly looking like the replacement for its more expensive rival, silicon cells." Source: http://www.smartcommercialsolar.com.au/blog/2016/1/18/qvtu52kl8kh0jvo8gqpk4o1y0fvlw9 |
<more at http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/perovskite-solar-cells-supercharge-electricity-production/; related articles and links: https://theconversation.com/tandem-solar-cell-with-silicon-and-perovskite-paves-way-for-high-efficiency-low-cost-solar-39216 (Tandem solar cell with silicon and perovskite paves way for high-efficiency, low-cost solar. March 24, 2015) and http://www.smartcommercialsolar.com.au/blog/2016/1/18/qvtu52kl8kh0jvo8gqpk4o1y0fvlw9 (Perovskite Solar Cells Could Be The Future. February 3, 2016)>
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