PV Advances
Photovoltaic technology has evolved very quickly in the last few years due to private R&D dollars. Compared to other industrialized nations the US lags far behind in alternate energy.
Silicon photovoltaic (PV) panels were developed in the 60's for the space program, and are still the most widely used. Silicon PV panels have improved slightly in power output, but lifespan has been extended to 20-35 years, depending on the model. Most high efficiency silicon PV cells utilize layers of material "tuned" to different frequencies of light, each layer contributing to the power output.
Other high efficiency PV panels utilizing lenses that concentrate sunlight onto PV wafers minimize costs and boost efficiency to 38% to provide electricity at a wholesale price of about 5 cents per kw, while close competitors claim they will produce panels for 2 cents per kw.
Carbon nanoparticles called "quantum dots" promise to make an important contribution to the power supply as capacity expands. Currently 100% of US production goes to Germany. Quantum dots "trap" photons inside, which then ricochet around and dislodge a number of electrons. The theoretical maximum efficiency is near 287% (2.87 electrons dislodged for every photon), while current technology being exported is about 64% efficient. Special dyes nearly double the efficiency, and inexpensive deposition techniques are currently in development.
When tuned to a specific frequency of electron, quantum dots become very efficient and it is possible to tune the material to absorb infrared radiation, which would continue to function at night, or with any heat source.
Thin film plastics and organic PV technology are another promising field. These groups tend to have lower efficiency but have the advantage of a very inexpensive production costs. Installation costs may be higher due to the larger size of the system.
Sun Power Systems
Evolution in Technology Means Clean Power for Everyone!
 |
Though US energy policy favors imported oil from the Mid East and dirty coal, the USAF understands the value of a clean, reliable energy source. This 18 megawatt power station fulfills more than 25% of Nellis AFB base electrical supply, brought online in early 2008.Panels are designed to track the sun in order to maximize power production. There are several innovative alternative tracking systems. |
Sunrigi Solar Panels focus solar radiation through 1 meter lenses onto
one square centimeter silicon wafers to achieve 36% efficiency and long life. |
 |
 |
This is an electron microscope image of honeycomb-like carbon nanostructure. Photons striking this material get trapped inside and dislodge a number of electrons as they bounce around. Carbon nanoparticles are the future of power generation. Some of these substances generate power from heat and do not require sunlight. This is the ability to generate electricity with no moving parts from any heat source. |
This special dye increases photon production by a significant amount. Many innovations promise to increase the efficiency of nanostructures past anything we have discovered so far. |
 |
 |
Photochemicals mimic photosynthesis and generate electricity in unique solar cells. Dyesol has the advantage of using an environmentally friendly process. |
| Thin film solar shingles will some day utilize quantum dot technology. These thin film shingles will gain a tenfold increase in power output. Like all technology, there is always a better next generation--just around the corner. |  |
