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Nanotech Solar Cell Minimizes Cost, Toxic Impact

Posted by Soulskill on from the now-if-we-could-just-make-it-small dept.

bonch writes "Researches at Northwestern University have developed an inexpensive solar cell intended to solve the problems of current solar cell designs, such as high cost, low efficiency, and toxic production materials (abstract). Based on the Grätzel cell, the new cell uses millions of light-absorbing nanoparticles and delivers the highest conversion efficiency reported for a dye-sensitized solar cell."

1 of 95 comments (clear)

  1. I won't be rushing out to buy one yet by barv · · Score: 5, Interesting

    There are three factors that must converge to make it economically sensible to go solar electric.
    1). Grid parity. This is when the amortized cost of power from the solar electric system costs less than power off the local grid.
    2). When the cost per KWH per year stops dropping so rapidly. A corollary of Moore's law applies.
    3). Storage. We need a low cost & efficient power storage system. Flywheel, hydro, battery, even hydrolysis. Lightweight batteries or hydrogen fuel cells that could be swapped into the car would be best.
    At the current technology curve, it should be here within a decade in the sunny parts of the world.