Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 3-13
Round-shape pv cell reduces material waste typically found in rectangular cell. (Depiction
based on cell used by Applied Solar Energy Corporation, City of Industry, California.)
be significantly lower. On this premise, two large plants to manufacture
amorphous silicon panels started in the U.S.A. in 1996.
3.3.5
Spheral
This is yet another technology that is being explored in the laboratories. The
raw material is low-grade silicon crystalline beads, presently costing about
$1 per pound. The beads are applied on typically 4-inch squares of thin
perforated aluminum foil. In the process, the impurities are pushed to the
surface, from where they are etched away. Since each sphere works indepen-
dently, the individual sphere failure has negligible impact on the average
performance of the bulk surface. According to a Southern California Edison
Company's estimate, 100 square feet of spheral panels can generate 2,000 kWh
per year in an average southern California climate.
