Harnessing the power of the sun to generate energy has long been an ambition of scientists and inventors. As one of the most abundant and unlimited renewable energy sources, it could theoretically provide more than enough power for the entire planet.
Solar panel technology first emerged in the 1880s, but the first ‘modern’ solar panels were created by Bell Laboratories in the 1950s.
Solar cells
Traditional solar cells use photovoltaic energy to capture the sun’s energy and store it in batteries. This can then be used to power various devices including lighting. A single solar cell is typically able to capture between a half and one watt of energy. Under perfect conditions, a standard-sized solar panel is able to produce up to 400 watts every hour. However, they very rarely reach this level due to fluctuations in sunlight.
Solar panel experts
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Potential new solar cell materials
The majority of standard solar cells are made from silicone. However, as this is a synthetic material, it means that it has to be “made”. The production process is quite difficult and energy-intensive, which somewhat detracts from the overall eco-friendliness.
In order to tackle this, there have been several attempts to develop ‘organic’ solar cells. As well as being better for the environment, these should theoretically be cheaper to produce and offer greater flexibility. Some have been manufactured from plastic, whilst others have been made using polymers derived from oil.
Wood as a possible material for solar cells?
Researchers at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Linköping University are looking at whether wood pulp could be used in the production of solar cells. They are initially investigating the possibility that the part of the cell known as the kraft lignin could be made from this material, but their longer term aim is to produce a cell made entirely out of wood pulp.