Oxford University researchers have potentially overcome a major obstacle in making solar energy more accessible. The physics department scientists have developed an ultra-thin material that can be applied to surfaces with sunlight exposure instead of traditional bulky silicon solar panels.
This innovative film consists of stacked layers of light-absorbing perovskite material, each just slightly over one micron thick. Compared to standard silicon wafers, these new materials are 150 times thinner and offer a 5% increase in energy efficiency. Dr. Shauifeng Hu, a postdoctoral fellow at Oxford, is optimistic about achieving efficiencies exceeding 45% with this technology.
This breakthrough in solar energy technology not only enhances efficiency but also has the potential to lower costs…
2024-08-09 15:07:50
Originally posted on www.engadget.com