New solar panels have just been developed that will completely revolutionized the solar powered industry. Previous solar power was based, understandably, off of the power from the sun, we assume the power is in the form of light and it was. This means that solar power can not be generated in the dark. This is not the case anymore.
The full solar spectrum given to us by the sun, is not just merely that of which we can see, light, but also that which we cannot. A traditional solar panel only uses a semiconductor that traps only light waves. The new solar panel has layers of material that capture separate wavelengths of solar energy so that the full spectrum can be taken in and converted to usable energy.
“The trick is to use one alloy, gallium arsenide nitride, but replace some of the arsenic atoms with nitrogen to create an intermediate energy band. This third band enables the semiconductor to respond to low and mid-energy wavelengths as well as the more “energetic” parts of the spectrum.” (Casey, Tina).
These new Solar Panels have not yet hit the consumer market yet but I am sure they will be making their way out there soon. The new solar technology may spur a trail of solar-related would be science fiction products like solar power capturing paint, fabric, cement, and more. The world has passed its oil peak and now it is time to invest in our future and in alternative energy.
Sources:
http://cleantechnica.com/2011/01/26/finally-a-low-cost-solar-panel-that-can-see-in-the-dark/
Solar Panels That Work In The Night – @http://community.greencupboards.com/2011…
Very interesting article! Always enjoy being updated with this blog!!!
I feel siatsfied after reading that one.
Green technology and, abundant and cheap materials, as compared to rare earths, that are in a lot of other technologies,ours, and also green technology, that do exist and have and this that have this, compares. aparently combates, this problem.