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Hairy Solar Cells Could Mean Higher Efficiency

kitzilla writes "Two research groups working independently have come up with what they say are cheap processes for growing nanowires to be used with solar cells. The 'hairy' cells provide a direct path for electrons collected at the panel face to reach an electrode, something which has the potential to dramatically improve system efficiency."

9 of 203 comments (clear)

  1. Let me guess... by kiick · · Score: 5, Funny
    They expect to have something ready in 3 to 5 years.

    If every solar cell advance that was announced actually led to improvements of solar cells you could actually buy, then they would be 99.9999999% efficient and cost less than crackers.

    But I'm not bitter, nooooooo.

    1. Re:Let me guess... by rossy · · Score: 2, Funny

      ... then they would be 99.9999999% efficient and cost less than crackers. Yes, but would they be individually wrapped?
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      Ross Youngblood
    2. Re:Let me guess... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      Mmmmm, hairy crackers... Fantasizing about us white guys again?
    3. Re:Let me guess... by Belial6 · · Score: 3, Funny

      Sounds just like computers. I need to get one of those one of these days. Just as soon as they stop getting smaller and cheaper.

  2. Re:Nanowires are nice and everything... by Facetious · · Score: 4, Funny

    I believe I first used my A/C this year in February
    You own an Anonymous Coward? That would be sweet. I would task mine to read and summarize /. for me.
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    Let us not become the evil that we deplore.
  3. Re:Nanowires are nice and everything... by lgw · · Score: 2, Funny

    It was two different examples. 6 or even individual bulbs in a bathroom fixture are common (I've never been sure why, not needing to apply makeup). Also, 300W halogen floor lamps are common, and it's really hard to find a florescent replacement for those: nothing is bright enough, and when you turn down the dimmer on the 300W bulbs to where you can barely see them, you get the color temperature of firelight, which is very nice at times.

    Also, in Texas, your average living room is larger than Italy, but that's a different topic. :)

    --
    Socialism: a lie told by totalitarians and believed by fools.
  4. Fraud alert ... by ScrewMaster · · Score: 4, Funny

    These guys are scammers ... it's the old When Hairy Met Sili Con.

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    The higher the technology, the sharper that two-edged sword.
  5. Re:Not first by beav007 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Hairyness makes everything better. I mean, just look at me...

  6. Re:Dramatic efficiency improvements unlikely. by Chris+Mattern · · Score: 2, Funny

    Yeah, but who's gonna build the catchium reactors?