In the wake of increasing oil prices and lower oil supplies, we need to find more alternative energy resources that are effective. One of the best methods out there, solar, has often been avoided due to its high prices and low efficiency. However, several labs have been able to utilize kesterites, a type of solar technology that "combine[s] the low cost of thin film solar cell technologies with extremely low raw material cost" to produce a more efficient and cheap solar panel. The key elements in this technology are copper, zinc, tin, and sulfur or selenium. In addition, through controlling tin loss in the technology, The Laboratory for Photovoltaics has been able to set a record for efficiency on their very first try. Susanne Siebentritt, head of the Laboratory for Photovoltaics, even predicts further success. Moreover, Thin film solar cells are are already currently significantly increasing their market share. This is huge news in the world of alternative energy, because now solar technology is more practical. This technology can be afforded by average citizens, not just the wealthy. Furthermore, more solar companies will probably pop-up, ushering further investment and cash flow in the alternative energy sector. In addition, this will be a huge benefit to third-world-countries, where it is a struggle to produce energy in rural areas; this is great help to those who either constantly lose their electricity or can't afford it. This new technological discovery right now because of the bad economy, mixed in with all the problems with Global Warming. Truly, this is a great step forward.
Citations:
Article: Université du Luxembourg. "Low cost solar cells: New European record in efficiency."ScienceDaily 12 March 2011. 13 March 2011 <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110311131734.htm>.
Picture: http://images.sciencedaily.com/2011/03/110311131734.jpg
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