Organic Solar Cell
Ninety-Nine percent of the solar panels today are made from a variant of silicon. But it is quite expensive to produce such materials. Solar cells can go for thousands of dollars if you are not careful. But research is going on today to produce flexible solar panels from organic material. In 2004, a research group from the Georgia Institute of Technology had used an organic film, pentacene, can be used to create solar energy. The secret is in the crystal pattern structure of the pentacene molecules. It allows the electricity to flow through the system easier.
The efficiency of the organic solar cells are low, however. As of today, the most efficient organic solar cell is 6% efficient. Although, one big advantage organic solar cells have over it’s counter part is that organic solar cells are very flexible, and can be placed on rounded surfaces. However, because of the huge costs of silicon, organic solar cells can give you more energy for your money. Listen to Professor Lee Kwang-Hee, director of the Gwanju Institute, which has developed the most efficient organic solar cell in the world: “It takes 2 U.S. dollars to generate 1 watt of electric power if you use silicon solar cells, Only 10 U.S. cents will be enough to generate 1 watt if you use this tandem polymer solar cell.”
So, if you want a Kilowatt of power with organic cells, it would cost only $10, compared to $2000 with traditional solar panels. This is a huge savings. However, as of right now, there are only a few companies producing these organic solar cells. Of course, the more competition, the better deal the consumer can get from the producer. Organic solar cells are not in the far off future; they’re here today, and now. Please show your support for solar cells, by visiting this site for more information. http://www.dnp.co.jp/index_e.html
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