IBM Creates Affordable Solar Cells
Usually comprised of rare elements, solar cells are found in rooftop solar panels. Photo: Flickr/reiner.kraft
Solar cells are usually not considered the most inexpensive piece of green technology, but they may soon become a widely manufactured product due to new research by IBM.
Advanced Materials, a science journal, recently published a technical paper which described a new kind of solar cell made of common elements like zinc, tin, sulfur, copper and selenium.
Both commercial silicon cells and the cheaper thin-film cells exceed the efficiency of IBM’s sustainable solar cell.
However, IBM argues that because the materials which make up a silicon-based solar cell are not abundant in the earth, this does not enable them to serve a long-term purpose as a viable form of green technology.
David Mitzi, an IBM researcher, said the basis for the project was to replicate a thin-film solar cell which uses both plentiful elements and reduces cost.
He explained that current solar cells use indium and tellurium, both rare elements that are already being depleted because they are in high demand from other markets. For instance, indium is frequently used in the display systems of flat-screen TVs.
IBM’s new “kesterite” cells utilize a printing technique to lower the costs of the manufacturing process. A solution containing a hydrazine solution (copper and tin with nanoparticles of zinc) is spin-coated and heat-treated alongside selenium or sulfur vapor.
Currently, solar cells contribute less than 0.1 percent to the planet’s electricity due to its hefty price tag and the rarity of the elements which are used to manufacture the technology. Despite being less efficient, IBM’s new solar cell may change the way people perceive sustainable living, as both affordable and accessible.
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- Lin Edwards. (02/11/2010). IBM develops promising contender for cheaper solar cells http://www.physorg.com/news185093054.html.
- Michael Graham Richard. (02/11/2010). Breakthrough: IBM Makes a Solar Cell Out of Inexpensive http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/02/ibm-new-solar-power-cells-earth-abundant.php.
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RU-solar energy advantages fan
posted on April 14th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Nice article. I’ve read about IBM’s work on thin-film solar and the advances there are commendable in terms of efficiency. PV solar panels price is dropping relatively fast, some expect them to sell for $1 a watt soon. This sustainable solar panel is the next logical step. Although, not competitive from an efficiency or price perspective, it’s a step in the right direction and with all that’s being discovered, soon will be efficient and affordable.
For the homeowner interested in a practical approach to transitioning to solar energy or how to incorporate solar into your everyday life, check out http://www.solar-energy-advantages-blog.com. Practical advice on all things solar.