MIT boffins unveil self-healing solar cell

For years scientists have managed to develop solar cells that are highly efficient in laboratory conditions, but quickly deteriorate when asked to cope with direct sunlight – which constitutes something of a drawback for a solar panel.

Now a team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) reckon they may have found the solution to the problem of deteriorating solar cells following the demonstration of a new cell design that manages to repair itself.

The cell mimics the ability of plants to convert sunlight into energy at the same time as continuously breaking down light-capturing molecules and reassembling them from scratch in order to avoid the debilitating effects of sunlight.

Michael Strano, the Charles and Hilda Roddey Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, who led the research team, said the cell was "basically imitating tricks that nature has discovered over millions of years", such as plants' " reversibility, the ability to break apart and reassemble".

The cell uses synthetic molecules known as phospholipids that form disks which then provide structural support to proteins that respond to light. The molecules then create "reaction centres" that release electrons when hit by light particles. When suspended in a solution these reaction centres spontaneously attach themselves to carbon nanotubes that hold the disks in place and also act as wires that can transmit the released electrons.

The research team then added a surfactant to the self-assembling mixture, which resulted in the seven components that make up the system breaking apart. Once the surfactant, which MIT said was similar to that used to break up the BP oil spill in the Gulf, was removed from the mixture using a membrane, the compounds spontaneously assembled once again into a perfectly formed, rejuvenated photocell.

The team then ran the cell through the same cycle of assembly and disassembly repeatedly over a 14-hour period and recorded no loss of efficiency.

Strano said that the initial experiment delivered very low levels of efficiency, because the concentration of the molecular structures in the solution was very low. However, the efficiency of each individual structure stood at around 40 per cent, double that of the most efficient solar cells currently available, while the team believes that, theoretically, the structures could reach close to 100 per cent efficiency. MIT said the team is now working on how to increase the concentration of the solution.

It is likely to take years to develop commercially available solar cells based on the technology, but the breakthrough suggests that one of the most significant technical challenges faced by emerging nanomaterial-based solar technologies could be overcome.

Is Solar right for you?

Solar is right for most every home, depending on your motivation. Are you interested in solar purely for economic benefit? Are you concerned for our environment or the social responsibility of your business? Are you concerned for our environment or the future health of your family? Are you bothered by the fossil fuel situation and wish to declare your energy independence? All of these are great reasons to go solar! Below are a few limiting factors to getting the most out of your solar electric system:

Why Solar Energy?

Solar energy systems reduce up to 100% your electricity costs, depending on system size. Utility prices are only going up every year. Solar energy provides you security from rising electricity rates.
A solar electric system adds value to any home or building and pays for itself for years to come. And, your solar system adds value without increasing your property taxes.
Solar is an environmentally responsible technology. Unlike fossil fuels, it does not emit pollutants which create harm to people and the environment.

TIPS for beginners builder.....!

Solar Panels for Beginners Tip #1

Don’t think you can build one solar panel and power your entire home. It won’t happen. However, you can run a small appliance, a light, or a small electric engine for several hours with one average sized panel.

Solar Panels for Beginners Tip #2

If you will have solar panels installed professionally, make sure it’s by a reputable company. There have been many people that have reported problems with less than reputable solar companies that never deliver as promised. Check with the Better Business Bureau in your area to find out which companies have unresolved complaints.

Solar Panels for Beginners Tip #3

Before you build a DIY solar panel, make sure you have enough roof space to correctly install the panel. Solar panels are not small and you certainly don’t want to end up with one too big for the area of the roof where it will be installed.

Building Your Own Solar Energy Panel

One reason why people often build their own panels is because it is much cheaper to do than to buy new solar panels. For beginners, there are a number of different ways it can be done and you’ll find most what you need at your local home improvement store. You can build a small one over the course of a weekend for about $200-$300. It will power a small shop or appliance. However, you can also loop these together to create more energy.

How Solar Energy Panels Work

Solar energy panels contain photovoltaic cells. This is where the energy from the sun is converted to electricity. While there’s quite a science behind it all, here are the basics. Silicon plates are used to allow electrons to flow freely through it. The silicon doesn’t have either a positive or a negative charge, so other elements, usually phosphorus, and boron are combined with the silicon, so the sun’s energy can be captured by the silicon. The photons from the sun bombard those silicon panels and this captured energy is converted into electricity that can be used to power household appliances, small shops, or even a entire home. Solar panels are looped together to create more energy. This is why you see many panels on the roof of a solar powered home.

Solar Panels for Beginners: What You Must Know

Solar power is quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of renewable sources of energy. It’s a fantastic way to conserve the earth’s natural resources, but also provides one of the cleanest, most effective forms of energy available today. For those that are not familiar with this type of energy, you need to get a little information on solar panels for beginners, so that you know the important aspects, terminology, and a little bit of the science behind it all.