In what can be considered as a major positive step forward, the project of Plastic Solar cells has received a much needed huge boost. University of Cambridge & the Technology Partnerships are venturing into the project of developing these cells & the project is sponsored by the government funded Carbon trust with 5 million pounds.
The project is a welcome sign for all those who have been advocating the use of solar energy as a major alternate source of energy as it is both clean & abundant. What makes the project very special & all the money put into it worthwhile is the fact that it integrates technology with every-day usage of such technology. It aims to correct the two greatest deficiencies that have so far plagues solar energy: efficiency & durability. But according to the experts at Cavendish Laboratory, which will supply the material technology required for the project, the new plastic solar cells are aimed at precisely solving these two problems.
It is being projected at this point of time that these cells offer an efficiency of 5% & will last duration of 5 years even when subjected to the rigors of the elements. The project aims to design such cells within the next three years. The basic idea of this technology is to use the minimum possible semi-conductor material per square area. The experts say that this helps them achieve a control over the nanostructure of the entire fabrication. Controlling the nanostructure becomes essential to the efficiency & durability of the material.
With the rapid rate at which we are using up our resources such a project seems invaluable for a much better & greener future. The project sounds really exciting as it does not seem as if it’s another instance where science has over-indulged itself to produce technology which helps none whatsoever. In this case we have an effort that looks at bringing much needed technology to every home. For that, the project surely deserves a mention. If only they could invest more in such projects than in making nuclear war-heads!
