I am not sure if my previous post on this went through on this... but it is too good to not share around.
It may not be news to this forum, but a search of the posts shows no mention of it.. so here goes:
I was watching a repeat of an Australian Science show "Catalyst" some weeks ago with a story refering to a solar technology being developed by the Australian National University [anu] and Origin Energy.
The cells use "slivers" (small slices) of silicon rather than expensive whole silicon wafers. The result is a dramatic reduction of costs, as well as an improvement in efficeny in low light situations.
Aparently there is a lot of waste in a normal cell - and they can fit 700-800 cells in one large wafer.
Pictures: http://www.originenergy.com.au/about/template.php?pageid=1257
Additionally, if I understand it right, they claim that where a normal cell starts working when it is 40-60% exposed to light, these start producing at 10%.
The best bit: the cost is dramatically reduced.
Payback for cell purchases is expected to reduce to 5 years!
The test plant that Origin Energy has built as a proof of concept has started to build these things - and they claim to have residential production occuring in 12-24 months!
I want to get my hands on some of these babys! I haven't found where I can buy some... yet!
links:
ABC "Catalyst" Sliver Artical - Transcript and Video
http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/s1865651.htm
Origin Energy cell details:
http://www.originenergy.com.au/about/template.php?pageid=1233
Australian National Uni (with Techo goodness):
http://solar.anu.edu.au/level_1/research/sliver.php
Same as before, I don't see the point seems like vaporware?