Originally published February 12 2006
Scientists in California work on ultra-thin cells that could make solar power cheaper
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Experts have been saying for a while now that the rising prices of fossil fuels are increasing the demand for alternative energy sources, so researchers at the University of California-Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are working on a very thin but durable solar cell that will generate more energy than traditional solar panels, but at a reduced cost.
Scientists in California are working on a new solar power cell they hope will provide energy at a lower cost than conventional solar panels.
Scientists in California have developed an ultra-thin, solar cell.
The manufacturing process is currently long and complicated.
But with the tremendous growth of solar power in the United States, it will probably be worth the effort.
In 2004 half a million dollars worth of solar cells and modules were shipped every week inside the United States.
And with the prices of fossil fuels on the rise, demand for alternative energy sources is likely to increase.
So researchers at the University of California-Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are trying to make a very thin but durable solar cell that will have more applications and generate more energy than the bulky solar panels now in use.
Ilan Gur Scientist Ilan Gur Ilan Gur is one of the scientists involved.
"The thickness of the film of nanocrystals is really important because that is our active layer, that is our active material in the solar cell.
And obviously we are making a solar cell, we need to absorb all of the sunlight."
The result: something similar to material used in computer chips in DVDs and CD players.
The resulting solar cell is then tested to see how well it would work if it were on a rooftop.
Paul Alivisatos Paul Alivisatos Paul Alivisatos is a scientist and professor of chemistry involved with the project.
He says the cells are manufactured similarly to photographic film, which could be a great advantage.
He says if every roof in the country was covered with solar cells, sunlight could supply three-quarters of the electricity needed in the U.S.
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