3rd generation solar energy. That's what we could call the new solar harvesting systems of the future. Windows, flexible meshes or even sprays will be able to absorb the sun's rays to transform them into energy in a few years, according to research carried out by universities and scientists around the world who are striving to take a step further in what is already one of the key energy sources for this century.
A clear example is that of the University of Seville Pablo de Olavide (UPO), immersed since 2007 in research on the efficiency of "Grätzel Cells" in search of cheaper materials that help generate more competitive photovoltaic solar energy .
"Grätzel Cells" are nanocrystalline or nanostructured dye solar cells, also known as DSC ("Dye Solar Cell") cells, and are constructed from colloidal suspensions of a broad-band-jumping oxide that acts as an electronic conductor, an organic dye or organo-metallic that acts as a collector of sunlight, and an electrolyte that allows the transport of holes. Due to the simplicity of manufacture and the low-cost materials it uses, these photovoltaic devices have become since their appearance in the 90s a promising alternative to conventional photovoltaic solar cells.
These cells allow the manufacture of semi-transparent collectors, which together with the low cost of their components, would make it possible to manufacture photovoltaic windows that would be installed in buildings in the future. Today, researchers have achieved a maximum efficiency of 11%, but research continues.
Following this line of research with nanocrystalline cells, British engineers and universities are developing a spraythat spreads a coating of these Grätzel solar cells and converts the steel roofs of warehouses, supermarkets and factories into solar panels. The coating is constructed with titanium oxide nanostructures that mimic photosynthesis. Its solar cells DSSCs are capable of converting light into electricity with an efficiency of more than 11% and could supply 5% of the energy consumed annually in Britain.
Camping solar energy
As a result of studies similar to those cited, flexible solar panel systems can already be found on the market. Thin photovoltaic meshes can be rolled up and folded, are water resistant and provide clean energy for all portable electronic devices, perfect for outdoor activities such as camping.
With this last application, we can talk about the socialization of solar energy, which comes down from roofs and rooftops to settle in a backpack or in a tent and gives us the possibility of recharging our devices of common use, such as the mobile or a digital camera.
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Authors: Javier Gainza
