The next big solar technology may come from an organic substance called perovskites, which can improve efficiency and reduce costs. Commercialization is still years away. It is difficult to imagine what will make these materials different from silicon. However, before these new types of cells can be deployed, they must be tested and refined.
New solar technologies increase efficiency
New solar technology is advancing at an amazing rate. For instance, solar cells using different layers of semiconductors can now be more efficient than ever before. Solar cell manufacturers have seen their earnings rise by as much as 40% due to this increase in efficiency. Even though these advances are still in the beginning stages, solar developers continue to work on developing new materials that will enhance their technology.
The output of a sun-powered solar cell is also affected by the temperature. This is the temperature at which the solar cell's maximum power point can be reached. It can be calculated using the technical data of the cell. If the cell operates at 80 degrees Celsius, its power output will decrease by approximately 5%. The temperature of the solar cell can reach 85 degrees Celsius if it is placed on a dark roof. This is the maximum operating temperature for a cell.
Land availability
The use of solar technology is reducing the non-managed land in many parts of the world. The EU could eliminate 31 to 43 hectares annually of forest by using solarland. India could see solarland clearing 27 to 30 hectares. South Korea and Japan could see an additional 49-54 hectares in unmanaged land as a result of the expansion of sun power.
The relative energy density and the prevailing radiation determine how much land is required to produce solar power. The new accounting method is used to calculate the amount of land required to produce solar power. It is based in a state-of the-art Integrated Assessment Model, (IAM), that links land and energy. This model has been used in simulations of the global effects of solar energy technologies on land availability.
Integration into buildings
The integration of solar technology into buildings is becoming more popular. There are many systems that convert solar energy to thermal energy. These systems can be used indoors as a heating source during winter. These systems do depend on where you are located. Countries near the equator have higher incidence angles and therefore have more energy to convert into thermal energy than countries at higher latitudes.
The integration of new technologies in buildings can transform the standard approach to solar installation and increase its adoption. Solar thermal systems (STS), currently mounted on roofs, are used. This method creates aesthetic issues as well space availability problems and envelope integrity issues. This paper explores several options for integrating STS or PV into buildings. It also examines the benefits of this integration as well as offers solutions for any possible problems.
Photovoltaics with thin-film technology: Opportunity
As the demand for alternative energy grows, so do the opportunities for thin-film photovoltaics. Because of the research and development efforts made around the world, this technology is rapidly gaining market share. The efficiency of thin-film solar cells is increasing and new applications are being developed.
Two types of silicon are used in the latest thin-film photovoltaics technology: crystalline and amorphous. The former has a less structured lattice and is more efficient at refracting sunlight. These cells also resist heat from sunlight, which allows them to produce more power in high temperatures.