As an individual solar blogger and expert, I’m excited to bring you some of the latest innovations in the solar industry. One such innovation that’s making waves is a flexible cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cell, developed by the University of Toledo, Ohio. With its record-breaking performance, it offers promise for building integrated photovoltaics, space applications, and higher-rate manufacturing.
Solar companies all over the world are excited about this development, given it achieved the highest efficiency ever reported for flexible CdTe solar cells to date, flaunting a power conversion efficiency of 17.2%. To give you some perspective, it’s like having a souped-up engine in a solar cell that’s put on a solar array for home use.
Standard solar panels for your home, largely made of silicon, are rigid. However, this new solar cell offers flexibility, opening up a whole new dimension for solar power installation. This could mean solar panels that fit better to your roof’s curves or even wearable solar technology, designed to power small electronics on the go.
At the heart of this high-efficiency solar cell is an indium gallium oxide (IGO) emitter layer and a cadmium stannate (CTO) transparent conductor serving as the front electrode. The important thing about these materials is that their unique properties allow for minimized carrier recombination at the front, contributing to the cell’s high open-circuit voltage of 861 mV.
The cell was also built with a superstrate based on Corning Willow Glass, an ultra-thin, flexible glass. This component was then coupled with the innovative use of copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN), a hole transport layer, further improving the energy efficiency of the cell. This ingenious concoction of materials and methodology adds a new feather to the cap of the University of Toledo’s solar efforts.
The development has profound implications for the future of solar power and especially for solar companies looking to push the boundaries of solar technology. The particular solar cell configuration presents a myriad of opportunities, setting the groundwork for flexible, reliable, and highly efficient solar power application. However, it’s also important to remember that advancements like these take time to transition from the lab to your rooftop.
As we see continuous improvements in the solar industry, we will someday see every home aided by a practical and efficient solar array for home use. That being said, investing in current solar technology is still an economically and environmentally sound decision. So, if you’re on the fence about installing solar panels for your home, there’s no better time than now to start harvesting the power of the sun!
Remember, every solar company and every product has its unique strengths and pitfalls. It’s essential to do your research and consult with trusted experts when considering the best solar solutions for your specific needs. We’re in an exciting era of solar advancements, making the sun’s clean, abundant energy more accessible than ever.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/02/29/cadmium-telluride-solar-cell-based-on-indium-gallium-oxide-emitter-achieves-17-2/