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National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) scientists have developed a relatively simple technique they say is likely to result in solar cells that are cheaper to make and more efficient than those used in solar panels now. According to Howard Branz,
principal investigator for the project, the scientists got the idea after hearing a talk from a Technical University of Munich scientist in 2006. When they reproduced the experiment, they quickly found that the process and equipment were far too expensive to be practical. But with some group think and a good bit of luck, they found a cheaper, simpler, faster and more efficient way to create the cells. Essentially, the process etches a trillion holes in the normally silver-gray silicon which turns it almost completely black — and better able to absorb almost all of the colors the sun emits. It's not quite soup yet because the black cells are just a hair less efficient than conventional cells. But the NREL team is confident they can squeeze more efficiency out of them, and that the process can be done with readily available industrial materials and equipment. Chris Harris, associate director of licensing in NREL's commercialization and technology transfer division, said industry interest is high. "This is certainly a significant advantage in an industry where everyone is competing for market share and the cost per watt is a key selling feature. Black silicon provides an added benefit on top of any other improvements in efficiency a company can get."
Quick Take: One of the biggest barriers to commercializing Smart Grid technologies has been cost. If the NREL team is right, solar — already a green energy top dog — will undoubtedly get a significant boost.
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