Generating clean, renewable electricity from the Sun is more attractive than ever before. In fact, the stats say it is 90% cheaper to do it today than it was in 2010. The tech has matured and there have been a number of interesting developments in the sector. We want to have a look at some of them here, including how things like foiling services can help.
A new way to do things
Traditional PV technology uses silicon photovoltaic panels. The solar cells convert light into electricity. Interestingly, they convert around 22% of the solar energy into electric power. In lab tests, the record in 2014 was 25.6%. However, the true performance will always vary in real world conditions depending on the location and weather.
Researchers have been looking at different ways to generate solar power. The most interesting is a multi-junction approach (also known as stacking). What you have here is a thin light absorbing material, like a film or foil. You stack them, using two, three or even four layers in a cell. This approach can massively increase the amount of light conversion. In fact, in 2015 there was an impressive 46.1% lab record.
A key benefit
One of the most amazing things here is the potential for the multi-junction solar cells. Crucially, they are still very thin, even if there are three or four layers. That opens the door for a lot of innovative uses in the future.
The thinness and flexibility of the films/foils means they can be suitable for application to various surfaces, similar to traditional foiling services. For example, researchers are imagining applying them to vehicles, buildings, and even things like the back of mobile phones or even backpacks. Crucially, they can offer easy installation and save weight too.
Interestingly, the researchers are saying the multi-junction cells could reduce the need for massive solar farms of silicon panels. As a result, it could save a huge amount of land all around the world. This is fantastic because space is an issue in many locations and is restricting delivery of crucial things like housing and infrastructure.
The fact the new multi-junction solar cells use fewer resources is a key advantage too. They don’t require as much silicon or metals like aluminium to create frames. So, the impact on the environment to produce them is much smaller.
Work is already underway in various parts of the world to produce solar films and foils. In fact, just last year a UK company, Oxford PV, began large scale production near Berlin, Germany.
Talk to us about foiling services
The development of solar technology is a great example of how films and foils can allow innovation. They have the potential to completely transform the world, including energy, packaging, and construction, as well as many other industries.
We’re very proud to play a role in promoting the use of foil and film for various applications. Crucially, we work with some of the world’s premier developers. They produce materials with exceptional characteristics.
So, if you want to arrange foiling services or lamination for different needs, speak to us. We’ve got a huge amount of experience and can offer guidance for various projects.