Plan Developed for Solar-to-Electricity Glass Windows

[jpak]

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=46692

Octillion Corp.'s research and development initiatives are under way for the development of a patent-pending technology using nanosilicon photovoltaic (PV) solar cells that can convert normal home and office glass windows into ones capable of converting solar energy into electricity.

These nanosilicon PV solar cells are created through a electrochemical and ultrasound process that produces identically sized (1 to 4 nanometers in diameter) highly luminescent nanoparticles of silicon that provide varying wavelengths of photoluminescence with high quantum down conversion efficiency of short wavelengths (50% to 60%). The process of producing these silicon nanoparticles is supported by 10 issued U.S. patents, 7 pending U.S. patents, 2 issued foreign counterpart patents and 19 pending foreign counterpart patents.

When thin films of silicon nanoparticles are deposited (sprayed) onto silicon substrates, ultraviolet light is absorbed and converted into electrical current. With appropriate connections, the film acts as nanosilicon PV solar cells that have the potential of converting solar radiation to electrical energy.

Octillion's R&D work involves integrating films of silicon nanoparticles on glass surfaces in order to convert solar energy coming through home and office windows into electricity, without losing significant transparency or requiring major changes in manufacturing infrastructure.

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[OneBlueSky]

1. creative ideas like this could lead to a HUGE alternative energy industry . . .

that the U.S. could take the lead in . . . IF we had leadership to encourage its development . . . innovative technologies, jobs, and ways to protect the environment are all things this country desperately needs . . .

yes, I understand that this is a Canadian company . . . but U.S. companies could and should be developing similar kinds of initiatives -- by the score, by the hundreds, even by the thousands . . .

[rainbowblue]

2. Solar panels

I just started experimenting with Solar panels last year and love them. These are great ways to save energy even if its small amounts.

Every roof top in every city should have them.

[FREEWILL56]

3. I'll believe it when I see it

There have been many stories like this one with big promises that never seem to materialize. Being the cells have to pass most light the output of the cells will be lower and with the number of windows and their areas I fear not much solar would be reaped from the windows and also because of the less than optimum angles to the sun. The wires running from each window would also be an eyesore and somewhat a danger or problematic in their conceiling as electricians would need to rewire your home to do this. That's a big expense.
Don't get me wrong as I am for solar power and I have some solar modules producing power, but some of the things I've seen supposedly coming out aren't either cost effective or are overhyped fantasy.

[kestrel91316]

4. "The wires running from each window would also be an eyesore..."

Yeah, and WE CAN'T HAVE THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:eyes:

[JohnWxy]

5. I think were going to see "quantum leaps" in efficiency and rapid lowering of costs

in solar power in the next decade or two, in no small part due to nano-tech innovations (such as detailed above). I think the real boost will come in producing electricity directly from light energy (without the heating of an intermediate energy carrier).