Credit: Rensselaer/Shawn Lin
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new solar cell structure that cuts cell reflectivity to 3 percent, down from 33 percent in more traditional solar cells. This advance puts solar energy on a very good footing vis-a-vis fossil fuels, with their roller coaster price and huge ecological disadvantage. This new technology also uses the full spectrum of sunlight, UV to infrared, and accepts light from almost any angle. That means a flat panel can be roughly aimed and secured in place, and still harvest maximum solar energy. Stay tuned as this technology pushes the old solar cells out of the market. As usual, the technology is some time away from commercially viable, but things happen quickly in this field. My hope is that further cuts in oil prices won’t further erode the venture capital and stock value of the great new companies that can make this technology work.
