Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
There is also a lot of work ongoing in the solar technology fi eld to chal-
lenge other technologies in the race against thin fi lm to beat the $1 per watt
production cost. Rivalry is not always a bad thing. On the development side,
advancements in other industries are having an impact on PVs; the fl at
screen TV has meant that larger sheets of glass are readily available and
progress in the semi-conductor industry has provided second-hand machi-
nery that can produce thicker cells. All these factors can help to reduce the
cost of production, but we must also keep in the forefront of our minds that
the real aim is about refi ning it to be more effi cient.
The greatest advancement to date might be the emergence of screen
printing on solar cells as it allows the option of PV roofi ng shingles that
could easily be added to any current or future home. This new method will
also enable different PV mounting frames and positions to be considered,
a factor that has always impacted on the full PV system. However, in the
future it is expected that the greatest advancements will be in third gene-
ration technology, specifi cally related to nanotechnology.
Finally, the consumer must be encouraged and educated in various ways
such as advertising, literature, etc., to make the choice to embrace this clean
source of energy, even if it is currently more expensive than traditional
energy. Its use in devices such as a simple solar powered calculator or
garden light is broad, but further devices that we use on a daily basis need
to be considered to ensure less effect on the environment than in previous
generations. More consumers purchasing PVs will obviously have an effect
as it will introduce more competition in the market, thus not only lowering
cost but also challenging further and new developments, which can only be
a positive step forward for all.
12.7 References
Anai, Y., Neaton, J.B. and Grossman, J.C., 2010. Theory and simulation of nanostruc-
tured materials for photovoltaic applications. Computing in Science & Enginee-
ring , 12(2), 18-27.
Anon., 2006. 'How much does solar energy cost'. Facts-about-solar-energy.com.
Available at: http://www.facts-about-solar-energy.com/solar-energy-cost.html
accessed 10 January 2012.
Anon., 2010. 'Multijunction solar cells' REUK. Available at: http://www.reuk.co.uk/
Multi-Junction-Solar-Cells.htm (Accessed 11 January 2012).
Bawendi, M.G., Murray, C.B. and Kagan, C.R., 2000. Synthesis and characterization
of monodisperse nanocrystals and close-packed nanocrystal assemblies. Annual
Review of Material Research , 30(1), 545-610.
Brown, G.F. and Wu, J., 2009. Third generation photovoltaics. Lanser & Photonics
Reviews , 3(4), 394-405.
Brus, L.E., 2007. Chemistry and Physics of Semiconductor Nanocrystals.
Available at: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/chemistry/fac-bios/brus/group/pdf-fi les/
semi_nano_website_2007.pdf (accessed 27 January 2012).
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