Solar cells reflect light – even as they absorb it to produce electricity.
Five Stanford University researchers hope to keep the unused rays from getting away. In a November research paper, the electrical engineers unveiled a breakthrough they cal nanodome. They claim it improves the efficiency of a simple solar cell by 25 percent.
A field of microscopic nanodomes keeps reflected light from leaving a solar cell
By applying a thin coasting that under the microscope looks like a field of tiny domes, the reflected light is captured and turned to energy.
“Nanodome solar cells with only a 280 nm thick hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) layer can absorb 94% of the light with wavelengths of 400−800 nm, significantly higher than the 65% absorption” without the domes, according to their research.
In a low-power cell like those used on wristwatches, 35 percent of light can be reflected back into the sky. With Nanodome technology, the efficiency can be improved to 5.9 percent from 4.7 percent, 25 percent improvement.
“The nanodome structure is not in principle limited to any specific material system and its fabrication is compatible with most solar manufacturing; hence it opens up exciting opportunities…to further improve performance, (and) reduce materials usage,” the report said.
I think surly nano coating will bring new innovation in the field of solar energy and will make it more usable for the user and will improve the effectiveness as well.
Google blog search is always great for finding new stuff! I was trying to figure out how to install an attic ventilator.. Don’t know why this one came up!