Affordable Solar & Wind

Solar Cells - Plastic is In, Crystal is Out!

Currently, most solar technologies are delivered via silicon crystals, whose highly refined nature and relative scarcity make them expensive components in the solar process. This makes the end-product equally expensive, and cost is one of the factors limiting the use of solar panels to generate energy.

Plastic, or polymer, solar cells are relative newcomers to solar technology, but their potential advantages - lower cost, lighter weight and greater flexibility - promise to sweep the solar industry, once sourcing and manufacturing are refined.

Polymers are plastic-type substances, usually made from petroleum. Organic plastics, typically represented by such products as amber and shellac (or tree sap), may soon be available from cellulose, or food products like corn, making organic polymer solar technology not only inexpensive but environmentally friendly; i.e., disposable.

Konarka Technologies, Inc., recently announced that their flagship product, Power Plastic®, was rated at 6 percent efficiency. This may not seem like much, but solar panels currently in use rarely boast more than 12- to 14-percent efficiency, and polymer cell technology is still in its infancy.

For Konarka to achieve 6 percent with its flexible organic based photovoltaic (PV) solar is truly an important milestone, as co-developer Dr. Alan Heeger of the University of California (Santa Barbara) notes.

"This progress gives us confidence that we are on a technology pathway toward the vision of high efficiency, low cost 'plastic' solar cells."

Heeger, one of the co-founders of Konarka, received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2000. He and his colleagues at UCSB are currently focused on issues related to the fundamental electronic structure of polymer solar cells, and hopes in the near future to bump that efficiency rating to a full 10 percent, which would make it highly competitive with silicon-based solar.

Another discovery, from the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, promises to improve polymer solar material by substituting a silicon atom (or a crystalline) for a carbon atom in the backbone of the polymer. Eventually, says UCLA researcher and co-author Hsiang-Yu Chen, solar cells may be as thin as paper, attachable to any surface, and colored to match different applications.

Imagine hanging a solar panel alongside your deck or patio that looks like a Van Gogh!

About the Author

Cooler Planet is a leading solar resource for connecting consumers and commercial entities with local solar Installers. Cooler Planet's solar energy resource page contains articles and tools such as our solar calculator to help with your solar project.

SOLAR PANEL DIY MAKE YOUR OWN SOLAR PANEL BUILD SOLAR PANELS

A Photovoltaic System of Solar Cells $24.99 Stocktrek Images A Photovoltaic System of Solar Cells - Photographic Print

NonUniformities in ThinFilm Solar Cells and Modules $157.72 Thinfilm PV technology due to its fast production line, large area panels and low material usage, is one of the most promising lowcost technologies. Due to their granular structure, thinfilm solar cells are inherently nonuniform. Fluctuations inevitably occur during the multistep deposition process of large area thinfilm solar panels and specific manufacturing procedures. Furthermore, non uniformities can become more severe, or increase in size during the solarpanels life cycle. Non uniformities reduce the overall efficiency of solar cells and modules, and their effects therefore need to be well understood. This manuscript focuses on the analysis of the effect of nonuniformities on small size solar cells and modules with the help of numerical simulations. Even though the 2D model developed here can analyze the effect of nonuniformities of any nature, only two specific types of microscopic nonuniformities were addressed here: shunts and weakdiodes. One type of macroscopic nonuniformity, partial shading, was also addressed. The circuit model developed here is a network of diodes, currentsources, and transparentconductiveoxide resistors. Author: Koishiyev, Galymzhan Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 168 Publication Date: 2011/04/27 Language: French Dimensions: 9.02 x 5.98 x 0.39 inches

Ginsberg Scientific 718492 Solar Cells Demonstration $48.3 This is a great desktop item and attentiongetter. Four powerful solar cells are mounted on a revolving disk and motor. This in turn is mounted to a plastic stand and base. Watch as the entire disk solar cells included begin to whirl around when the unit is placed in the sun. Instructions provided. American Educational Products have a lead ship time of 21 days.

Thin Film Solar Cells $779.05 Author: Chopra, Kasturi L./ Das, Suhit Ranjan/ Chopra, K. L. Binding Type: Hardcover Number of Pages: 624 Publication Date: 1983/07/31 Language: English Dimensions: 9.62 x 6.52 x 1.62 inches

The Physics of Solar Cells By Nelson, Jenny $77.82 Author: Nelson, Jenny Publication Date: 2003/07/01 Number of Pages: 384 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.75 Width: 6.00 Height: 9.00

Solar Shingles $90.81 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Solar shingles, also called photovoltaic shingles, are photovoltaic cells designed to look like conventional asphalt shingles. There are several varieties of solar shingles, including shinglesized solid panels that take the place of a number of conventional shingles in a strip, semirigid designs containing several silicon solar cells that are sized more like conventional shingles, and newer systems using various thin film solar cell technologies that match conventional shingles both in size and flexibility. Solar shingles are manufactured by companies including SunPower Corporation, Solar Components Corporation, Atlantis Energy Systems, and Dow Chemical. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 148 Publication Date: 2010/07/14 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.34 inches

Cells $24.99 Cells - Photographic Print

Manifold Microchannel Cooling of Photovoltaic Cells $111.53 Several works have been published on concentration of solar radiation by mirrors or lenses onto smaller size solar panels, which reduce cost and increase conversion efficiency at higher concentration ratio. One of the challenges is active and uniform cooling of high heat flux solar arrays, because conversion efficiency is dependent on device temperatures and drops with increasing temperature. This research is targeted at cooling of small, high concentrated solar cells. Benefits of manifold microchannel are attractive for cooling of electronic devices but have not been studied for cooling of high concentrated solar cells which is the objective of this research, where the microchannel can be microfabricated and etched on the backside of the silicon solar cell to form a sealed heat sink with the manifold fabricated in the silicon substrate. This design not only minimizes the pressure drop, but also maximizes the heat transfer and provides uniform temperature across the device. Author: Kermani, Elnaz Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 78 Publication Date: 2009/07/01 Language: English Dimensions: 9.00 x 6.00 x 0.19 inches

Solar ePower Charger for 4V Batteries $59.99 The Wagan Solar ePanel Solar Charger for 4V Batteries allows you to charge cell phones, USB devices, and recharge 4 AA or AAA rechargeable batteries with the sun. It also provides backup power for your devices with rechargeable batteries. It uses high-efficiency solar cells from Siemens.Provides convenient safe charging for your electronics - it will not overpower your device. Also provides dependable solar cell construction - made of high-efficiency mono-crystalline solar cells embedded in transparent vinyl acetate behind tempered glass.

Elenco OWI608 Solar Battery $35.1 The Solar Battery is comprised of a number of photo voltaic cells. Each cell is made from a slab of semiconductor crystal. When light shines on the cell voltage is produced that can create an electrical current in a circuit. The greater the light intensity on the solar battery the greater is the current it can produce. Solar Battery is compatible with OWI 6567 and OWI 6577 kits and many other solar experiments.Intended for use to familiarize students and/or hobbyists with functional solar cell principles and practical applications of solar cells. Mounting bracket not included. Safe simpletouse encapsulated minipanel. Sturdy panel will endure handling without the breakage and cell damage traditionally associated with solar cells. Create various experiments by exposing and positioning the panel to the energy source. This powerful solar battery features 3 cells in a sleek lowprofile protective housing with mounting holes. Positive and negative terminals are indicated to take the guesswork out of installation. Lead wires are included. Dimensions: 5 x 2.5 . Current: 350mA. Voltage: 1.4.

Brunton Solaris Solar Panels $431.95 Much of your lifestyle runs off electricity. Now you can take it with you and recharge it with Brunton Solaris Solar Panels. Efficient foldable CIGS cells that capture 12V power from the sun.

Minature Metal Solar-Powered Helicopter $132 When sunlight touches the solar panel on this helicopter's blade the motor inside the helicopter spins the blade. -The solar cells generate electricity when the sun or a halogen light shines on them. The electricity is used to drive a small motor that turns the blade. The solar cells in this item is encased within a flexible polymer approved for space applications, making them exceptionally reliable. The solar panel will not generate electricity under fluorescent or neon light sources.

Wooden Solar-Powered Wind Turbine $111 When sunlight touches the solar panel on the base of this wind turbine, the motor begins turning, spinning the blades. -The solar cells generate electricity when the sun or a halogen light shines on them. The electricity is used to drive a small motor that spins the blades. The solar cells in this item is encased within a flexible polymer approved for space applications, making them exceptionally reliable. The solar panel will not generate electricity under fluorescent or neon light sources.

Aluminum Solar-Powered Wind Turbine $224 When sunlight touches the solar panel on the base of this wind turbine, the motor begins turning, spinning the blades. -The solar cells generate electricity when the sun or a halogen light shines on them. The electricity is used to drive a small motor that spins the blades. The solar cells in this item is encased within a flexible polymer approved for space applications, making them exceptionally reliable. The solar panel will not generate electricity under fluorescent or neon light sources.

Outdoor Solar-Powered Swirling Sunflower $65 When sunlight touches the solar panel on the back side of the sunflower, the motor begins turning and in effect spinning the sunflower. -The solar cells generate electricity when the sun or a halogen light shines on them. The electricity is used to drive a small motor that spins the flower. The solar cells in this item is encased within a flexible polymer approved for space applications, making them exceptionally reliable. The solar panel will not generate electricity under fluorescent or neon light sources.

Solar Folding Lantern $27.94 Solar Folding Lantern Energizer Solar Folding LanternEnergizer Solar lights offer convenience and portability to fit every lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially enjoy the versatility that comes with hybrid power solutions. Charging options include solar panels, crank, primary batteries and car adaptors, making these lights flexible enough for almost any outdoor situation.Features: Dual Energy Source:Rechargeable batteries powered by solar panel3 D Primary Cells 5 Hours of full sun powers light for ~2 Hours (low mode) D Cells: 110 Hours (high mode) The lens folds out to provide 360 degree illumination or down for 180 degree light. 3 Light Configurations: Low, High, Amber Nightlight

Polymer Solar Cell $68.51 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Polymer solar cells are a type of flexible solar cell. They can come in many forms including: organic solar cell (also called plastic solar cell), or organic chemistry photovoltaic cell that produce electricity from sunlight using polymers. There are also other types of more stable thinfilm semiconductors that can be deposited on different types of polymers to create solar cells. This technology is relatively new, being actively researched by universities, national laboratories and several companies around the world. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 84 Publication Date: 2010/07/13 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.20 inches

Fascinations SOLARFL1 Solar Flier Airplane $42.9 This solar powered airplane definitely makes a statement on any high flyers desk Made from polished aluminum hightech solar cells are built into the wings. When sun or bright light shines the solar cells create power to rotate the propeller which enables the plane to fly around the base. Excellent demonstration of solar power in action: Cover the solar panel and the propeller stops turning Propellers start to turn in sunlight or under a strong desk lamp No batteries required Dim. 15 Inch Diameter x 7.5 Inch H This solar powered airplane definitely makes a statement Made from polished aluminum Excellent demonstration of solar power in action: Propellers start to turn in sunlight or under a strong desk lamp Cover the solar panel and the propeller stops turning No batteries required

DyeSensitized Solar Cell $92.4 A dyesensitized solar cell (DSSC, DSC or DYSe is a relatively new class of lowcost solar cell, that belong to the group of Thin film solar cells. It is based on a semiconductor formed between a photosensitized anode and an electrolyte, a photoelectrochemical system. This cell was invented by Michael Grtzel and Brian ORegan at the cole Polytechnique Fdrale de Lausanne in 1991 and are also known as Grtzel cells. This cell is extremely promising because it is made of lowcost materials and does not need elaborate apparatus to manufacture. In bulk it should be significantly less expensive than older solid state cell designs. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 116 Publication Date: 2009/11/24 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.27 inches

Solar ePanel Charger for 8V Batteries $139.99 The Wagan Solar ePanel Solar Charger for 8V Batteries can be used to charge laptop computers, cell phones and other DC powered items. This solar panel converts daylight into electricity to charge 8V batteries, extending battery life. It requires only daylight (not direct sunlight); mono-crystalline solar panel charges even in cloudy and overcast weather.Made of high efficiency mono-crystalline solar cells embedded in transparent vinyl acetate behind tempered glass with heavy backsheet ensuring maintenance free performance, it folds up for convenient transport and storage, ideal for indoor and outdoor use. High-impact tempered glass will resist hail, ice, flying debris, or force wind.

Rote Jahne Solar Park $54.86 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The Rote Jahne Solar Park in Saxony, Germany, has a total output capacity of 6 megawatts peak (MWp). Built at a former military airfield, it has 90,000 First Solar thinfilm modules covering approximately 6.7 hectares, and produces approximately 5.7 million kilowatthours (kW.h) of solar electricity every year. The project cost around Euro 21 million or US 28 million. Solar photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electricity and many solar photovoltaic power stations have been built, mainly in Europe. As of October 2009, the largest photovoltaic (PV) power plants in the world are the Olmedilla Photovoltaic Park (Spain, 60 MW), the Strasskirchen Solar Park (Germany, 54 MW), the Lieberose Photovoltaic Park (Germany, 53 MW), the Puertollano Photovoltaic Park (Spain, 50 MW), the Moura Photovoltaic Power Station (Portugal, 46 MW), and the Waldpolenz Solar Park (Germany, 40 MW). Some photovoltaic power stations which are presently proposed will have a capacity of 150 MW or more. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 64 Publication Date: 2010/07/13 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.15 inches

Brunton SolarRoll 9W Flexible Solar Panel $242.99 Never be without power - bring along this flexible 9W solar panel. It is ideal for powering your cell phone, digital camera, or video camera. Plus the amorphous thin-film solar cells are effective in lowlight conditions. Flexible, this solar panel rolls up and stores in included tube. Made in the USA.