(NaturalNews) Scientists at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) have developed a prototype of a three-dimensional solar panel that is able to capture sunlight from nearly every angle and transform it into electricity, according to a report in the journal JOM, which is published by the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society. According to researchers, the new cell should be vastly more efficient than current photovoltaic panels.
Current photovoltaic cells are made in the shape of flat panels. This means that sunlight must strike the panels directly, and that light falling at the wrong angle is not collected. In addition, flat panels reflect a significant portion of the light that hits them, making it unavailable for electricity generation.
The new panels make use of nanotechnology, and are shaped much like a city skyscape -- a collection of tower-like structures with small spaces between them. To the naked eye or even a regular microscope, the panels still appear flat; the "towers" are on the scale of microns, or millionths of a meter. This unique shape allows the towers to collect light from nearly any angle.
The towers are squares about 40 microns on a side, 100 microns tall and 10 microns apart.
This unique shape increases the panels' efficiency for yet another reason. All solar panels have a coating that is designed to trap photons (light particles) rather than reflect them. The thicker the coating, the more photons trapped. However, thicker coatings also reduce the speed at which current-carrying electrons exit the panel, thus reducing its efficiency. Because the new panels capture more light, the coating can be made thinner and thus a single panel can generate more current.
"Our goal is to harvest every last photon that is available to our cells," said Jud Ready, a senior research engineer at GTRI's Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory.
The research was sponsored by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Air Force Research Laboratory, NewCyte Inc., and Intellectual Property Partners, LLC. The next step for researchers is to see if the two-inch prototype can be adapted for mass-production.
###
Related Articles
• New solar technology company plans to rent panels to homeowners to make solar more affordable
 |
Popular Topics:
solar technology, solar cells, electricity, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Breast cancer, Prostate cancer, Heart disease, Depression, High cholesterol, Osteoporosis, Vaccines, Autism, ADHD, Infertility, Weight loss, Cancer, Alzheimer's, Trans fats, Acrylamides, Fluoride, Mercury |
Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com
Email this article to a friend
Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us
Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/021946.html
Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link.
|
 |
 |
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE
Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber!
- Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more.
- Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.
|
|
 |
 |
Recommended Special Report:
Seven Words that can Change the World
by Joseph R. Simonetta
Read this special report now...
"Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com
|
More on NaturalNews.com:
• Streaming Health Ranger Videos
• CounterThink Cartoons
• FREE Special Reports
• Podcasts
|
 |
|
 |
 |
NEW 6-CD audio set reveals amazing new protocol for reversing cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and more. Click to learn more. |
 |
Own the first 8 Health Ranger Report audio programs on 6 CDs. Covers weight loss, ADHD, vaccinations, processed meats, bone health and more. Click to learn more. |
Featured Videos
Short clip on Aspartame
A short clip on aspartame from the documentary All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive video on Aspartame
The dangers of aspartame! Exclusive interview footage from Cori Brackett of Sweet Remedy.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive Footage from All Jacked Up!
See interview footage featuring the Health Ranger in the upcoming junk food film, All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Drug Ad Parody
See the Health Ranger's satire parody of Merck's cholesterol drug ad.
Click here to view now... |
The Amazing Light Bulb

|
|
Read recommendations on supplement companies, health food manufacturers and personal care product makers that you can trust. Our 100% independent review list tells you who to trust and who to avoid in the natural health industry. Click to read. |
|