New colors in solar panels

2008/09/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Energia berriztagarriak

A mixture of two organic dyes increases the efficiency of solar panels tenfold by concentrating the sun's rays on the panel. It is an old idea, at least 30 years ago. Light rays are aspirated by a colored plate of organic dyes and emitted into the solar panel cells. But those tested so far lose a lot of energy along the way.

Some MIT engineers have improved the process. Instead of using a whole plate with dyes, they have used a thin colored film attached to the glass. In this film two types of dyes are mixed to capture most of the frequencies of the solar rays. Glass has been added a molecule that leads the rays to the edges. And the panel itself has been placed on the edges of the glass.

This system allows converting the windows of the buildings into solar panels. It is very cheap. However, some experts consider that market success involves improving system efficiency. Other scientists use mirrors to concentrate light, concentrate light better, but they are too large and need complex installations. There are two competing technologies, the market will have to decide in favor.