I know solar panels hae been mentioned on here and there are quite of few people who have them also so thought this would be of interest to them people.
Who knows how long before it becomes mainstream though?
Tellurium is a material that would hold it back apparently from reading the article.
Researchers have developed a new manufacturing method which could bring down the cost of making a type of solar cell.
A team at Liverpool University has found a way of replacing the toxic element in the process with a material found in bath salts.
The scientists say that this could have a "massive, unexpected cost benefit".
The research has been published in the Journal Nature and unveiled at the ESOF conference in Copenhagen.
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Dr Jon Major explains how the simple new technique could dramatically reduce the cost of solar energy
Dr Jon Major, who led the research said that his team's work might be the development that brings the cost down to the level of fossil fuel," he told BBC News.More than 90% of the solar cells are made from silicon. Around 7% are made from a material called cadmium telluride. The cadmium telluride cells are thinner than silicon and these are popular because they are also lighter and cheaper.
Toxic ingredient
They have the drawback that a toxic chemical, cadmium chloride, is needed to manufacture them. Cadmium chloride is also expensive.
A significant proportion of the manufacturing cost of cadmium telluride cells is to protect the workforce from toxins and to dispose of contaminated waste products safely, according to the research team.
Dr Major discovered that a cheaper, non-toxic alternative, magnesium chloride, could be used instead of the toxic compound and work just as well.
More of the story here:
BBC News - Researchers develop cheaper way of making solar cells
Who knows how long before it becomes mainstream though?
Tellurium is a material that would hold it back apparently from reading the article.
Researchers have developed a new manufacturing method which could bring down the cost of making a type of solar cell.
A team at Liverpool University has found a way of replacing the toxic element in the process with a material found in bath salts.
The scientists say that this could have a "massive, unexpected cost benefit".
The research has been published in the Journal Nature and unveiled at the ESOF conference in Copenhagen.
Jump media player
Media player help
Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
Dr Jon Major explains how the simple new technique could dramatically reduce the cost of solar energy
Dr Jon Major, who led the research said that his team's work might be the development that brings the cost down to the level of fossil fuel," he told BBC News.More than 90% of the solar cells are made from silicon. Around 7% are made from a material called cadmium telluride. The cadmium telluride cells are thinner than silicon and these are popular because they are also lighter and cheaper.
Toxic ingredient
They have the drawback that a toxic chemical, cadmium chloride, is needed to manufacture them. Cadmium chloride is also expensive.
A significant proportion of the manufacturing cost of cadmium telluride cells is to protect the workforce from toxins and to dispose of contaminated waste products safely, according to the research team.
Dr Major discovered that a cheaper, non-toxic alternative, magnesium chloride, could be used instead of the toxic compound and work just as well.
More of the story here:
BBC News - Researchers develop cheaper way of making solar cells
