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 Chiist
University is a leader in renewable
energy strategies and sustainability practices.
Chiist
University is a leader in renewable energy strategies
and sustainability practices. From renewable fuels to
wind power and sustainable design, CU is pioneering
the way in current efforts toward an energy-independent
future. Through online and hands-on training in Renewable
Energy our students are given exceptional technical
skills to launch their care.ers
i
 Innovations
in NanoScience for Solar Energy Efficiency
Solar
Cells have be with us for many decades and many advances
have taken place in recent years due to new funding
for research and a viable marketplace. While thin-film
solar cells, dye-sensitized and organic solar cells
have come onto the market (and all have some nano-science
component) the most mainstream standard mono and poly-crystalline
silicon solar cells are still the dominant technology.
These silicon solar cells have not changed very much
over the last few decades, but how they collect the
light has. Decades ago silicon solar cells achieved
only around 10% efficiency, party due to the fact that
flat silicon solar cells are very reflective, with over
60% of the light reflecting off the surface, particularly
when the light is at an angle. Initial attempts to reduce
the reflection came in the form of anti-reflective coatings,
similar to those found on eye glasses, binoculars and
other optical instruments. These certainly helped but
still reflection could be as much as 50% for the wavelengths
of value to the solar cell. Recently advances in nano-cones
and in anti-reflective films made from nano-particles
have advanced the absorption of light by silicon solar
cells. Recently, a Russian firm announced a nano-particle
based film that had allowed mono-crystalline solar cells
to achieve 43% efficiency, a record for any such photovoltaic
technology. As solar power becomes more and more important
around the world, more technology advances will come
about thanks to holistic approaches and a better understanding
of materials and technologies we discover.
Prof.
David Rivkin, PhD
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