what's new in solar cells ?

[wonderer1]

ran across 2 interesting articles. 1) new plastic solar design promises efficent power by scott bronstein (patent 4,798,959). it was published in the ny times and is talking 70-80% efficiency, and is being backed by westinghouse. 2) new way of making solar cells promises cheaper power. plubished in the news/science & technology. proffessor harry atwater at california institute of technology physics. but who knows if and when we see them for our uses ?

[clyon51]

Related material: New Solar Electric Cells - 80% efficient

[wonderer1]

clyon51---- thank you. i can find things but not that good on computers.

[Ed-Sommers]

I have been utilizing solar panels for many years, and cannot count the number of times I have read the same reports for numerous other claims.

None have come to market.

On the good side is that the price of solar panels are only around 25% of what I paid for all mine. Well, good for those that need some, I believe I am set for life, and they are paid for.

Ed

[wonderer1]

i found the articles interesting, that's why i posted them. but i'm here and now, and my need is here and now, so i'm not waiting 2 or 3 yrs. at best. i'm lucky because the price of panels has come down. but will make my mounts so if something comes along better and cheaper i'm ready to upgrade.

[Midniteoyl]

Originally Posted by clyon51

Related material: New Solar Electric Cells - 80% efficient

That story was 1986... http://www.nytimes.com/1986/09/09/sc...ent-power.html

[clyon51]

Originally Posted by Midniteoyl

That story was 1986.

That does't surprise me, I only did a search and that was the only thing that came up. Personally, I couldn't care less on solar tech.

[1ciderdog]

I live off grid and have several solar panels and my neighbor also is off grid. HE was telling he recently saw new solar panels where elements were round similar to a florescent light bulb. Several tubes in each panel. The benefit to these he said was you don't need to adjust your solar panels to match the sun. Generally, twice a year we need to adjust solar panels to maximize power.

[wonderer1]

1 ciderdog ---- did he happen to mention other than not having to reposition, were they more effecient against 15 - 17% ???

[1ciderdog]

As you know the flat panels are most efficient when directly facing the sun so with the tube the theory is the surface is always facing the sun and therefore more efficient. At least that's what he said. He also said they were much more expensive. I don't have first hand or personal experience with that type of panel.

[wonderer1]

ciderdog---if you get a chance, ask your friend for a link to that site. always like the read about different or new designs.

[wa8yxm]

One of the things I have seen happen is that a company (Research and Development type) will send out an invite to reporters,, But only SELECTED reporters,, IF the reporter covers the science and/or engineering beat, He does NOT get an invite.

Then they present their new wonder-stuff, Of course the reporters there, the Social reporter, the Movie critic, the Fashion reporter, The Police Beat reporter et-al, are all properly Agog at what the dog and pony do and promptly write it up and publish it.

Stocks soar.

Then the facts hit the fan.

[1ciderdog]

Wonderer1
This is the company.
Cylindrical Module | Solyndra
My neighbor says they seem to be working pretty well.
Bob

[DeadRinger]

Just read an article that pure solar panels just broke 33.5% efficiency. Thats stuff you can buy not just read about.