Third Generation Solar Cells

Submitted: Tuesday, Sep 29, 2009 at 19:35
ThreadID: 72626 Views:4718 Replies:8 FollowUps:3
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Hi Everyone,

I was searching for solar cells and came across information on what appears to me to be a significant step forward in solar cell technology. By using a unique dye they can apparently replicate the process of photosynthesis so that the panels work in light (rather than sun). Here is a bit of info from their web page:

"Unlike other photovoltaic cells that require direct sunlight, Dyesol’s DSC nanotechnology works in all light levels, does not have to directly face the sun for photosynthesis to operate, and can operate in the shade.
Because it mimics the photosynthesis process, it can be used in many applications that would be impossible for conventional photovoltaic technology meaning the voltage is virtually independent of light levels.
Compared with conventional silicon-based photovoltaic technology, DSC uses cheaper raw materials and manufacturing equipment, produces electricity more effectively, and can be directly incorporated into buildings by replacing conventional glass panels or metal sheets.

Dyesol does not manufacture solar panels but develops, manufactures and supplies the input materials (dyes, nanoparticulate pastes, electrolytes and catalysts) and partners with manufacturers to incorporate its DSC technology into their products to produce energy from the sun at lower costs than consumers currently face"

Has anyone used their products or know of their availability in vans already. It seems to me that this is another great aussie invention – I hope it does not end up in overseas hands like many other great Australian icon brands.

Here is their web page link if you want more information.:

Dyesol

I have no association with this company. Am I wrong or is this a major advancement in solar cell technology?

Cheers
Wamuranman


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Reply By: Member - Porl - Tuesday, Sep 29, 2009 at 19:42

Tuesday, Sep 29, 2009 at 19:42
i bought their shares a few months ago, unfortunately the market is not as impressed as i am, though when their ADF contracts are signed I hope to see them (and I) rewarded.

And me no expert but I saw it as a huge step forward. No affiliation either, other than a punter on the share price.
AnswerID: 385096

Reply By: Mad Cowz (VIC) - Tuesday, Sep 29, 2009 at 19:45

Tuesday, Sep 29, 2009 at 19:45
About 12-18 months ago Catalyst on ABC features another "3rd generation" solar cell which used much thinner layers of silicon therefore making them much cheaper. It was developed by UNSW apparently but it was thought they were a few years off retailing them..... something about commercial partners, etc....

MC
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AnswerID: 385098

Reply By: Member - Mike DID - Tuesday, Sep 29, 2009 at 20:04

Tuesday, Sep 29, 2009 at 20:04
When I see manufacturers actually delivering solar panels using this technology, I'll think abut putting aside some money to spend on them.
AnswerID: 385103

Reply By: V8 Troopie - Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 at 00:17

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 at 00:17
I thought it was a bit odd to mention photosynthesis and solar cells together so I looked it up: http://www.answers.com/topic/photosynthesis

It has nothing to do with solar cells at all.

FYI, solar cells, the common variety, *do* work with light, it does not have to be sun light. It just so happens that sunlight is the most powerful light around.
My solar panels on the roof do give a reasonable output when it is totally overcast and the sun is not visible at all.
Different makes of panels perform different in low light or shaded locations.
AnswerID: 385146

Follow Up By: Member - Wamuranman - Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 at 06:17

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 at 06:17
I'm not trying to defend this company - it just seemed like a great innovation to me. Except the opening sentence in my post the bulk of the post is extracted from their own documents - so the words about photosynthesis are not mine originally. As many people on this site have mantioned over the years the real pain about current solar panels is that they have to be continually angled towards the sun to get maximum charge. I know mine also work without full sun but the recharge is less. With Dye Solar cells this need (in my understanding) is eliminated. You will get maximum power from any "light". Also they are going to be cheaper to manufacture as well apparently.
I'm not sure why you say photosynthesis has nothing to do with solar cells - The web page you quote says -
"In the light-dependent reactions, which require the presence of light, energy from sunlight is absorbed by photosynthetic pigments"
I'm not a scientist but it appears the Dyesol cells will absorb energy from light using a patented dye (pigment) working in a photosynthetic way. To me it seems like a good analogy to explain how they work. But its true I guess dye solar cells are not strictly solar cells - they are "light" cells.
But I stand to be corrected - I am on a steep learning curve with this. But I am still impressed with what appears tome to be a quantum leap forward in technology.
Cheers
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Follow Up By: Member -Paul M (WA) - Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 at 09:13

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 at 09:13
GO to a web site called cudos .com ( aus ) USING CELLS CALLED PHOTONICS
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FollowupID: 652864

Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 at 09:59

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 at 09:59
When ANY collector is at 45 degrees to its source, it's only intercepting 70% of the radiation compared with 90 degrees, so it's physically impossible to produce as much energy.
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FollowupID: 652875

Reply By: Member - Bushpig - Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 at 10:27

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 at 10:27
Hi
Origin Energy are also developing new solar technology.Silver Technology Solar Cells
Should be a great advance.
Cheers
Jack
AnswerID: 385171

Reply By: Serendipity of Mandurah (WA) - Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 at 17:45

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 at 17:45
Always interested in new technology. This sounds like it could have potential.

A quote from the managing director of Dyesol - Sylvia Tulloch

"DSC has efficiency more like amorphous silicon than crystalline "classic" silicon, ..."

They claim their advantage will be in cost of manufacturing and resultant retail costs.

Unfortunately their one big display of 200m2 at the CSIRO Energy Centre in Newcastle, NSW failed to produce electricity. Dyesol claim faults created in panels through delivery. According to media this is still not fixed.

Not a good outlook for portable solar panels.

This is a struggling small to medium business run by a husband and wife team who have gamble everything on making it work.Well from media reports - yes it works. But is it marketable. Will the other big players sit on their hands and let it be marketable. I wish them luck and will be watching to see it they can make this happen.


David




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AnswerID: 385215

Reply By: paulnsw - Friday, Oct 02, 2009 at 09:24

Friday, Oct 02, 2009 at 09:24
Dyesol has been around for longer than I can remember. I don't believe you will see Dyesol progress any further. The area required renders Dyesol impractical and not cost efficient.

Origin Energy sliver solar panels have been kicking around for close to or maybe more than 10 years. The technology cannot be brought to commercial production due to manufacturing technicalities
AnswerID: 385428

Reply By: Alloy c/t - Friday, Oct 02, 2009 at 10:09

Friday, Oct 02, 2009 at 10:09
Wondering if its the same sort of as in watches ? Eco-Drive panel in the watch face will recharge from any light source not just solar.
AnswerID: 385439

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