Solar cell technology has advanced significantly, but most recently engineers from Illinois have created a new form of high-performance photocatalysis. Photocatalysis is the acceleration of a chemical reaction by light. They use a combination of titanium dioxide and other metal oxides which significantly improves the visible light absorption. This method enables us to more efficiently utilize solar absorption for energy applications.
Recent Advances in Solar Technology
Solar Energy first started in the 1800’s. In 1839, Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel found the photovoltaic effect, which is the process through which a solar cell converts sunlight into electricity. Researchers at Stanford University have recently developed a new heat-resistant thermal emitter.
Benefits of this new heat-resistant thermal emitter:
- This thermal emitter can convert the higher energy part of light into low energy waves that can be absorbed by solar cells and turned into electricity.
- Although there is many of these “thermophotovoltaics,” they have presented limitations that this new technology can overcome. Now a broader section of the solar spectrum can be absorbed by one solar cell, therefore more energy can be converted into electricity.
- In addition, as more improvements are made to solar cell technology, costs decrease. Installation fees and various other prices have reduced. Everyone can partake in clean energy.
What These Solar Advancements Mean for You
Research is constantly being done in order to improve the system that allows us to produce energy from the sun. Now clean energy is more accessible and has a wider availability. We are here to help you become part of this clean movement.
Argent Solar Electric stays up-to-date on the most recent solar technologies in an effort to bring our Arizona customers the latest and greatest in solar. Call (623) 500-6880 today or contact us online to learn more!