MIT’s Solar Cell Breakthrough May Bring Costs Down To Grid Levels
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are set to announce a breakthrough in thin-film solar technology that could bring the cost per KW down to grid prices. Such a level is often considered the ‘Holy Grail’ of taking photovoltaics mainstream. MIT hopes to have the tech commercially ready in three years. From the article,
“Conventional solar cells use thick, expensive silicon substrates. The MIT researchers said they ran extensive computer simulations and laboratory experiments on 2-micron silicon films that utilize new materials for both front and back coatings. As a result, light is trapped inside the cells’ silicon layer, permitting the thin-film to extract as much as 50 percent more energy per photon.”
One of the largest cost-saving measures will be the limited use of refined silicon. The MIT breakthrough only requires 1% of the silicon for standard solar cells.
We expect to learn more during the official announcement tomorrow. Till then, check out the press release for more information.