Solar panel – PXHERE
Nov. 4 () –
researchers from ANU (Australian National University) They have found a way to improve performance silicon solar or photovoltaic (PV) cells.
This is achieved by adding “passivation contacts” between the metal and silicon parts of the solar cell, making it more productive.
“These findings will help bring the performance of silicon solar cells closer to their theoretical limit,” he said. it’s a statement Mohamed Ismael, Principal Investigator at ANU and Ph.D. candidate.
“Each day, the sun produces significantly more energy than is needed to power the entire planet. The only limitation is our ability to economically convert it into electricity.“, said.
Solar cells are devices that convert light energy in the form of photons into electrical energy. In their current form, solar cells are not operating at full capacity due to the substantial electrical losses associated with direct contact of metals with silicon.
“Transition metal oxides, such as titanium oxide, have many qualities that make them ideal as passivating contact layers,” Dr. Lachlan Black said.
“This is not a new idea, but the way we combined these layers has produced better results and higher operating voltages than any previous report.”
The research team hopes to develop the technology to the point where can be applied to large-scale industrial solar cells.
The photovoltaic market is a multi-billion dollar industry, with silicon solar cells which contribute to 95 percent of all commercial solar cells. They are expected to remain dominant for the foreseeable future given their advantageous properties compared to competitors.
“If successful, we could see our technology in almost every new solar panel installed on your roof or utility-scale solar plants,” Black said.
Some practical issues still need to be addressed before the technology can be implemented, but the PV community is already working to solve these challenges.
“Improving the efficiency of solar cells ensures more clean energy at a reduced cost. This not only helps tackle climate change, rather, it opens up new economic opportunities for this low-cost, clean energyIshmael said.
