The thin layer of solar cells provides a more economical green energy source

Danh Phuong

Scientists are studying new ways to harness the sun's rays, and ultimately make it less expensive for solar users.

Experts at Durham University are developing light-absorbing materials for use in the production of solar-powered (PV cell) layer photovoltaic cells, using to convert light energy into electricity.

The 4-year project includes experiments on different materials that are cheaper and maintain longer when used in the manufacture of solar panels. The cells are based on thicker silicon and a compound containing indium, an expensive and rare metal, is now more commonly used to make solar panels. God.

Scientists at Durham University aim to make cheaper green energy.(Photo provided by Durham University)

The study, sponsored by SUPERGEN Innovation Center (Sustainable Power Generation & Supply), belongs to the Council for Natural Science and Building Research (EPSRC for short). Right now, the project is entering a new phase for the development of a variety of cheaper and longer-lasting materials.

Durham's team is also working on developing materials, so they form a continuous structure that is essential for conducting the energy held by solar panels before it transformed into electricity used. This will help improve the performance of thin photovoltaic cells.

We hope the development of the ability to make even more thin-film photovoltaic cells leads to a reduction in the cost of solar panels for the domestic market and increased solar usage. .

Currently solar energy provides less than 1/100 of 1% of energy needs for UK families.

The thin film-type photovoltaic cells that will be used to make solar panels mounted on rooftops provide power to families along with excess power will be provided in reverse. for the National Power Network. This helps pay for cheaper fuel bills thanks to obsolete combustion fuels as a way to generate electricity.

Professor Ken Durose, director of the Durham Renewable Energy Center, who led the study, said: 'One of the main issues facing solar energy is the price of materials, and we see that The price of energy cells is slowing down their attraction. If solar panels are cheap enough that you can buy a system that is available for sale, partly to meet your power needs, you should buy it, but that product is currently not available. '

To support the study, the University received a set of 1.7 million pounds of high-powered electron microscopes, funded by the Science Research Fund; The fund is looking at nano-scale research, helping scientists see current effects that are still limited in solar cell performance.

This is the first electron microscope to be used in the United Kingdom, Professor Durose said: 'This device will place the Northeast in front of us.'

"We study based on new ideas on renewable energy and this opens up many great opportunities for research."

Note: This report is adapted from a news release published by Durham University.