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IBM claims solar power breakthrough
Armonk, N.Y. (UPI) May 16, 2008 The IBM Corp. reports a research breakthrough in photovoltaics technology that the company says might significantly reduce the cost of solar power. IBM scientists using a large lens to concentrate the sun's power have captured a record 230 watts onto a 1-square-centimeter solar cell in a technology known as concentrator photovoltaics. The scientists then converted that energy into 70 watts of usable electrical power -- about five times the electrical power generated by typical cells using CPV technology in solar farms. The trick, researchers said, rests in IBM's ability to cool the tiny solar cells. Concentrating the equivalent of 2,000 suns on such a small area generates enough heat to melt stainless steel. But by borrowing innovations from their own design in cooling computer chips, the IBM science team was able to cool the solar cell from greater than 2,900 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. The initial results of the project were presented Thursday in San Diego during at the 33rd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference. Related Links All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com
Federal Government Puts Dampener On The Future Of Solar Power
Canberra, Australia (SPX) May 16, 2008and Communities Plan (formerly PVRP), provides homeowners with up to $8000 for rooftop solar panel installations, and has been highly successful at encouraging the uptake of this important technology, says ATA's Energy Policy Manager, Brad Shone. |
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