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Transparent transistors to boost solar cell efficiency
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04/06/2008
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Hewlett-Packard and solar energy developer Xtreme Energetics are working together to develop a solar energy system that will generate electricity at twice the efficiency and half the cost of traditional solar panels.
Under the technology collaboration and licensing agreement, HP will license its transparent transistor technology to XE in return for royalty payments.
Transparent transistors are made from low cost, readily available materials such as zinc and tin. The materials are said to raise no environmental concerns and allow for higher mobility, better chemical stability and easier manufacture.
HP’s transistor technology is said to enable control of XE’s concentration and tracking system, providing a transparent electronic mechanism to maximise the concentration of light. Conversion efficiency is improved as maximum light can get through to the solar cells.
Colin Williams, Xtreme Energetics’ ceo. “Our agreement with HP allows us to bring an advanced solar energy solution to the market that is superior to other offerings currently available.”
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Author
Graham Pitcher
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