Nanoparticle based Solar Panels

We live in an exciting time with the rapid advancement of solar energy and emerging solar technology. One of the exciting areas that is increasing solar power collection efficiency and practicality is nanoparticle processing photovoltaic solar panels.

The use of semiconductor materials has boosted the efficiency of solar panels. The propensity for these materials to 'give up' an electron makes them a great choice, when combined with complementary elements, to collect energy from the sun. The photons from sunshine can excite the material and cause the flow of electricity that can be directed through wires to batteries or directly to the applications for which they were intended. Unfortunately, the use of semiconductor materials in the solar cells causes production issues that affect the price and output of solar panel manufacturers.

Solar cells are made by placing material used as a substrate into a vacuum chamber. Once the vacuum is fully engaged; a semiconductor substance, such as silicon, is placed on the substrate to create the solar cells. Because this process is time consuming and only a small amount can be done at a time, solar panels remain expensive. With advancement in the field of nanotechnology, new methods have become available that eliminate the need to use a vacuum to work with semiconductor material. For example, a new ink made of nano-particles has been formulated that can be sprayed directly onto a substrate in order to lay down the necessary layers for a solar panel. This could greatly increase production capacity and reduce the price of solar panels dramatically. As the nanoparticle processing solar panel emerges and is incorporated into practical solar products, it could change the landscape of energy consumption. The implications are far reaching on an economic, environmental, and political level.