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However, the technology has several drawbacks that will initially limit its applications. The solar cells only last a couple of years, unlike the decades that conventional solar cells last. What's more, the solar cells are relatively inefficient. Conventional solar cells can easily convert 15 percent of the energy in sunlight into electricity; Konarka's cells only convert 3 to 5 percent. As a result, they require much more area to generate electricity, so they're not as attractive as ordinary solar cells for generating electricity on rooftops, where space is limited and the technology's light weight and flexibility aren't needed, says Dana Olson, a research scientist at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, in Golden, CO.
At first, Konarka will focus on niche applications such as umbrellas and tents, while working to increase the efficiency of the solar cells to between 7 and 10 percent, at which point the company could compete in cost with conventional sources of electricity, Hess says.
The company plans to gradually ramp up production at its new factory, reaching full capacity in two to three years. Because the solar cells can be made transparent, Konarka is also developing a version of its solar cells that could be laminated to windows to generate electricity and serve as a window tinting.
Plastic cells are lighter than silicon ones, but they're not as efficient--one company aims to fix that.
Cyrus Wadia is using abundant materials to grow nanocrystals for cheaper photovoltaics.
When I see "dye-sensitized" I think ruthenium, and when I see "organic polymer PV" I think Indium. Those are two of the most scarce elements, and the use of them in these technologies severely limits their ultimate potential. Any increase in demand for these commodities will cause a leap in price as well. I've talked to representatives of several thin-film PV makers, and they seem to agree with me. They don't see limitless quantities of their product being close to practical.
Utlimately, silicon has the greatest supply, the highest efficiency and the best longevity. Ideas that improve efficiency and economics of silicon-based PV would have the greatest impact on our energy supply.
Who makes the most efficient silicon based cells the cheapest? I have heard of companies growing silicon crystals. How does that compare energywise to cutting them?
Take Senator McCain's idea to build a battery research facility for $300 million and build several polysilicon refineries instead. Then flood the market with cheap taxpayer paid silcon to all the manufacturing companies to drop solar to be really cheap so its affordable to put up on your roofs.
Well, I agree with Indium, but dye-sensitized cells require micro moles of ruthenium per cm^2 and its not expected to be an issue. Anyway, there's some work on organic non-ruthenium based dyes, lets see if that works.
Would it be possible to "rough up" the surface of the film and lay it out over our highway system? I wonder what the math works out to be square footage wise (for power output). Even if you had to lay down new film every 5 years it would still seem to be a win win. But let me think, 10 billion for a space elevator...nope cant do it better just stick to bailing out rich guys, wouldn't want to see them take any losses on the portfolio's.
I like the commericalization ideas
I like that they are trying to sell the flexible films for tents and camping equipment. For these application even 3 % efficiency is acceptable if the solar panel can folded or rolled up.
Work with a small niche application to gain a foot hold and make money, is a great way to fund further development. I have read about many solar firms spending millions in venture funding to make the most efficient solar cells when many times they could sell the product they have to niche applications and make good money to fund their R&D efforts.
Commercialization
Innovation Management
Has anyone actually tested these devices outside the realm of precious planet achademia? Specifically what is the expected lifetime on an ordinary customers roof?
Water damage? Damage from dust, leaves and debris is a problem for a normal composite roof. How will that flimsy plastic endure these hardships?
What about the cost versus conventional technology? (coal,hydro,nuke)
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camdaddy09
38 Comments
What is the efficiency ?
I only scanned the article but i never found an efficiency rating, so does anyone know?
Reply
conservo
1 Comment
Re: What is the efficiency ?
Efficiency is addressed in the first paragraph, second page of the article.
Reply
jwer
7 Comments
Re: What is the efficiency ?
Or for a more useful answer:
"Conventional solar cells can easily convert 15 percent of the energy in sunlight into electricity; Konarka's cells only convert 3 to 5 percent."
Reply
camdaddy09
38 Comments
Re: What is the efficiency ?
thanks guys for answering the question i appreciate it.
Reply
magedseoud2
1 Comment
Re: What is the efficiency ?
5%-8% max and research aims to increase to higher
Reply