Laser Scribing Promises More Efficient Solar Cells

cylonlover writes "A new manufacturing method that incorporates laser technology may result in thin film solar panels that are less expensive and more efficient than anything presently on the market. Currently, a stylus is used to mechanically etch microchannels into such panels, which electrically connect the individual solar cells and allow them to form an array. Researchers from Indiana's Purdue University, however, are developing a technique in which an ultrafast pulsing laser is used to do the etching. Not only will it hopefully be quicker and cheaper than mechanical 'scribing,' but it should also produce cleaner, sharper microchannels that offer superior performance."

Comments

Blast from the past!

[blind biker]

Laser scribing/ablation has been used since the 80's, for reducing the cost (and hence price) of solar cells. E.g. buried contact solar cells..

Using laser ablation to reduce the manufacturing cost of solar cells is so old news, that I almost don't even remember it, it has been so long ago.

Re:Supply and Demand Problem

[ShooterNeo]

Source? You can pick them up for $0.98 a watt right now, or $1.76/watt for a complete system. Go to sunelec.com for where I found some. Are you telling me these prices were lower 6 years ago? I doubt it.

Re:Supply and Demand Problem

[Anonymous Coward]

Solar panels cost more per watt now than 5 years ago, and their lowest cost per watt was about 6-7 years ago.

Not true. See, for example this data