Solar cells that are generally heavy, hard and expensive can be used for a variety of purposes, but a cheaper version of these cells that would be flexible and relatively easier to use will make them even more important.
Some Swiss researchers are working to create a cheap and effective version of these cells, and they have reportedly got some breakthrough. According to Kevin Bullis of Technology Review, these researchers have set a record for flexible copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cells.
Conventional silicon solar panels are expensive and rigid, while the version that the Swiss researchers have created has the tendency to be flexible. However, there is a drawback. The flexible version is not as efficient as silicon solar panels and hence it would not be easy for it to sustain and compete in the market.
Efficiency of these panels has a lot to do with their cost. If a solar panel is more effective, a lesser number of these panels will be required. However, if the panels are less effective, more of them will be required to meet the demand and hence the cost will increase.
The researchers have recorded efficiency of the solar cells to be 20.4 per cent. This is better than flexible CIGS cells used for commercial purpose and typical silicon solar cells. However, as Kevin correctly points out, this is just a lab experiment and its implication on a broader level could be different. Still, it seems to be a step in a positive direction and might lead up to something big.
Photo: Solar Cell Stringer
Test Driving Audi Style
Air Canada Joins Canadian Companies in Releasing Apps for RIM’s BB10 Platform
Lunches So Good Kids Can’t Ignore Them
Invigorating Ginger Smoothie
The U.K.’s Youngest Parents Ever
The new hair Jennifer Lawrence