Development of transparent solar cells
Solar cells offer an opportunity for sustainable energy generation from renewable sources. In order to make better use of the potential of solar power, researchers around the world are working on innovative concepts and the further development of conventional solar cells. Scientists from Uppsala University in Sweden and the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland have succeeded in laying the foundation for the further development of special transparent solar cells. The invention of the so-called dye-sensitized solar cells is not entirely new; research in this area has been going on since the 1990s. The latest research results are remarkable in that they can lead to significantly higher efficiency of transparent solar cells.
Novel arrangement of dye molecules
In a scientific article published in the journal Nature, the scientists describe how their innovation works and the resulting results. The higher efficiency of the cells is achieved through an innovative arrangement of dye molecules on the surface. This enables use of the full spectrum of visible light. As a result, a power conversion efficiency of 15.2 percent can be realized and maintained for more than 500 hours. Dye-sensitized solar cells are inexpensive but far less efficient than conventional solar cells. The findings now available could change this.
Potential of transparent solar cells
The possible applications of transparent solar cells are as varied as they are promising. The special properties of the dye-sensitized solar cells offer a multitude of additional uses. For example, the new technology could be used in windows, glass facades or greenhouses to generate electricity. Powerful and transparent solar cells could also power electronic devices with low power consumption and replace conventional batteries or rechargeable batteries. In the event of a successful further development of the principle, a power supply for smartphones via a display equipped with dye-sensitized solar cells would be conceivable, reports the Independent.
N. Lorenz / Editor finanzen.net
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