29% Efficiency Solar Panel

[Arthur Hanson]

The lens and control system is as important as the solar cell itself in delivering high efficiency. This same system could be used on regular solar cells in similar ways and give a flat panel that shifts very slightly with out the bulk and mechanism that points the whole panel at the sun to increase efficiency. The same technology that makes flat screen displays might be adapted to do this also by focusing the sun with nanotech focusing systems or lenses. With battery technology also advancing at a good clip, solar might soon be economic. In some solar systems they also capture the heat off a solar voltaic system to heat water and air, further increasing the efficiency. With all the advances the semi/nanotech sector is creating while dramatically lowering costs, the utilities could soon face some serious competition. When all power harvesting is taken into account efficiencies of over fifty percent are easily achievable. These systems could also keep a structure cool by dumping the heat before it enters the structure. The many areas yet to be explored in the use of semi/nanotech in the panels themselves and even more so in control and valve systems present whole new opportunities for those that seek them.

Lampes Insolight - Objets insolites détournés en lampes artisanales unique



Generating Electricity & Heating Water With One Technology | CleanTechnica

 

[Tanj]

There are maybe 1M rooftops in LA, the average size is probably 100 sq m. Even a 10% efficient use of that is about 20 GW peak, 5GW average, enough to maintain 10M electric vehicles averaging 20,000 km per year. Every vehicle in LA. And zero extra footprint on the environment, no arguments over displacing natural habitat, since the city already did that.

The potential for fundamental change is huge. The raw materials are sand, sunlight, and bauxite, all in abundance. The doping materials are tiny quantities. It is willpower we lack, not the resources or even the know-how.