New Materials to Create New Breed of Solar Panels
New research has revealed that a carbon-based material has been developed, which could offer a low-cost and sustainable way to harvest solar power. Good news for our purses and wallets!
This is where it gets slightly scientific. A transparent conductor has been invented which is made of readily-available carbon nanotubes, could provide an alternative to current solar panels technology, which are reliant upon rare minerals for production.
Northwestern University professor Mark Hersam commented “If solar technology becomes widespread, we will likely have a crisis in the supply of indium. There’s a great desire to identify materials, especially earth-abundant elements like carbon, which can take indium’s place in solar technology.”
This particular research was conveyed by the Hersam Research Group that applies engineering and scientific principles to solve the most challenging problems facing society, including creating a maintainable future.
With Hersam’s new discovery, it could also have some implications for other sectors, one of which is the military. The flexibility of the solar cells means that there is a possibility they could be integrated into the material which is used for army tents, to provide solar power for soldiers during their operations.
As you’d expect from the UK’s leading home improvements company we’re watching this embryonic technology closely, and as with all advancements in this field, we endeavour to bring you the very latest, cutting edge solutions to benefit your home.
Anglian Home Improvements, formerly known as Anglian Windows, have been successfully selling home improvement products for over 40 years. Visit our website for more information on our solar products.
No Comments