Solar energy breakthrough could reduce need for solar farms
Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a thin-film perovskite material for solar energy, achieving over 27% efficiency and potential future gains, while emphasizing the need for government support.
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Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a new thin-film perovskite material that could significantly enhance solar energy generation without relying on traditional silicon-based solar panels. This innovative approach allows the material to be applied to everyday objects, such as cars and mobile phones, making solar energy more accessible. The multi-junction technique used in this research enables the stacking of multiple light-absorbing layers, achieving over 27% energy efficiency, comparable to current silicon photovoltaics. The ultra-thin material, which is about 150 times thinner than a silicon wafer, has the potential to exceed 45% efficiency in the future. This advancement could reduce the need for extensive solar farms, as solar energy could be harvested from existing surfaces. The researchers emphasize that this technology could lead to lower costs and a more sustainable energy source, as the global cost of solar electricity has already decreased by nearly 90% since 2010. The commercial potential of this innovation is being explored, with a UK company, Oxford PV, already beginning large-scale manufacturing of perovskite photovoltaics. However, there are concerns that without adequate government support and incentives, the UK may miss out on leading this emerging industry.
- Oxford's new thin-film perovskite material could revolutionize solar energy generation.
- The material can be applied to various surfaces, reducing reliance on silicon panels and solar farms.
- Achieves over 27% energy efficiency, with potential to exceed 45% in the future.
- The global cost of solar electricity has fallen significantly, enhancing its competitiveness.
- Commercial manufacturing of perovskite photovoltaics is underway, but government support is crucial for industry growth.
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11 commentsI don't mean that in a snarky way - it's perfectly normal that not all innovations bear their fruits, that industrialization is harder than expected, etc...
Even if only a fraction of them work, it's called progress.
But I'm curious to know if someone compiles this kind of list.
Interesting? Sure! But let me know after it's been reliably reproduced a few times by other groups
In other words this is pure speculation.
Put out by the PR wing of the researcher’s university
I give it a 1% chance
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