I don't know if this is news to you all... but I couldn't find anything in a search, so I thought I would share:
I recently saw an episode of an Australian science show "Catalyst" (shown on AU ABC TV) talking about "Sliver" technology that I thought were interesting for y'all.
Aparently they are using "slices" of silicon rather than a whole wafer to produce solar cells, bringing the actual cost of cells down to next to nothing.
Aparently there is a lot of wasted silicon in conventional cells, this way they can cut the silicon into thin strips (Slivers?), making it more cost effective, and less waste.
The demonstration that they showed was a "conventional" cell produces useable power when >60% exposure - where these cells produce at 10% - making them more efficient in low light senarios.
there is an experimental plant producing these facilited by "Origin Energy" (a local energy provider) and Australian National University (ANU)
Transcripts (and video) from Catalyst segment:
http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/s1865651.htm
Details from Origin Energy:
http://www.originenergy.com.au/about/template.php?pageid=1233
Australian National University
http://solar.anu.edu.au/level_1/research/sliver.php
I would love to know when I can buy some of these!
They say 12 months for residential.... can't wait!
Unavailable technology posts: Only if the product exists sorry.
