Structure and Reflectance of a b-Si. Aalto Researchers recently solved the issue of surface recombination in black silicon solar panels, meaning future solar technology may be both less expensive and more efficient, at 22% and above efficiency. (via Aalto University)
Since it takes so long to pay off a solar panel, and without government subsidies.. is solar a good option? Or should it stay in the research world?
As people strive to find alternative energy sources, researchers from Aalto University believe there is more to be done with solar energy. That’s why the team of researchers recently solved the issue of surface recombination in black silicon solar panels and promise the new technology results in a 3% increase in energy production per day, even in areas with less sunlight.
Black silicon is the process of nanostructuring the surface of silicon. Scientists have long though this process would allow for more efficient solar panels, as it could potentially minimize front-surface reflection on photovoltaic devices – devices that convert solar energy into directly current electricity – without the need for expensive anti-glare coating. Although in theory black silicon could be the solution, there was very poor energy transfer from front-surfaces to back-end converters, resulting is less than 20% efficiency. Aalto’s new study, however, solves that issue and means black may be the new solar panel.
In the new study, Aalto researchers worked on increasing connectivity between a black silicon surface and back-end cells. The team created a thin film from alumina that enables highly efficient energy recombination of both chemical and electrical material. In trials, the nano-surfaces demonstrated 22% efficiency, even when interdigitated back-contact cells were thick. With this, black silicon accomplishes better energy absorption than traditional cells, even in places with low angular sunlight, like Alaska.
The implications of this advancement in solar technology could be huge. If black silicon eliminates the need for antireflection cell coating and improves energy production, it would reduce the manufacturing cost of solar panels. If solar cells are less expensive and can supply adequate energy sources for homeowners or even entire cities, we may see an increase in green energy.
Black silicon solar panels could even be installed on the rooftops of larger manufacturing plants, so the biggest burners of carbon fuel could begin really minimizing their carbon footprints. If we find a way to store the energy produced using this technology, black silicon panels could even be installed in the middle of nowhere, like windmill farms, to power larger regions without burning more fuel.
Aalto researchers will continue their work under an upcoming project dubbed the “BLACK” project. The initiative will be funded by the European Union and aims to develop black silicon for future industrial use.
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