Creating solar panels takes lots of energy and time in a furnace. A new “Optical Cavity” furnace developed by the NREL can create more efficient solar cells.
“ … Optical Cavity Furnace … uses optics to heat and purify solar cells at unmatched precision while sharply boosting the cells’ efficiency.”
GE recently received federal funding (from US-DOE) to find more cost effective ways to bring solar to homes.
One part of solar PV (photovoltaic) system that they are looking to improve is the inverters that convert DC to AC. Current inverters have drawbacks including “… higher cost, less than ideal efficiency. Research will focus on integrated inverters that are lower in cost and more efficient to help get the cost closer to retail electric prices.
SolFocus used its installation partners feedback to design its new concentrator panel, simplifying the structure, its packaging, and the deployment. …
… “The SF-1136SX is constructed using Multi-Panel Assemblies (MPA’s) of four panels each, with nine MPAs comprising a single array.
Duke researchers are building copper wire films at the nano-scale that would serve to lower the cost and sustain the performance of solar cells by replacing more expensive
materials. …
… “research shows that the copper nanowire films have the same properties as those currently used in electronic devices and solar cells, but are less expensive to manufacture.” …
Michigan Technological University adds talent to its roster of research-oriented educators in order to achieves its energy objectives. The University’s strategic initiatives include development of future energy systems, with objectives in energy generation, mitigation, materials, and production modeling. …![JoshuaPearce[1]](http://greentechnolog.com/Windows-Live-Writer/Next-generation-energy-systems-takes-res_A78B/JoshuaPearce%5B1%5D_2.jpg "JoshuaPearce[1]")
Installation of solar panels on residential roofs in the U.S. continues on a modest positive trend, while the total opportunity for rooftop solar power remains significant. However, the percentage mix of residential solar projects is falling as more industrial and commercial projects are initiated. …
DuPont has bought innovaLight.
“Innovalight has developed … patented technologies and materials that allow crystalline silicon cell manufacturers to produce solar cells with higher conversion efficiencies. “
innovaLights goal was to help manufacturers of solar cells improve the performance(higher conversion rates) of the solar cells and reduce the manufactured cost.
DuPont has bought innovaLight.
“Innovalight has developed … patented technologies and materials that allow crystalline silicon cell manufacturers to produce solar cells with higher conversion efficiencies. “
innovaLights goal was to help manufacturers of solar cells improve the performance(higher conversion rates) of the solar cells and reduce the manufactured cost.
China entrepreneur supports the UC Riverside engineering college with endowment that will foster energy research, initially in storage systems. …
The Greek austerity plan may help balance spending and debt servicing, but growth will help the country recover. Greece is positioned geographically to harvest renewable energy, demonstrating solar and wind technology leadership, and should plan accordingly. …