Major breakthrough in solar technology by New Zealand scientists

One of the major drawbacks of solar power over the years has been its low efficiency and relatively high cost. But scientists from New Zealand may change all that. It’s only in the early stages at the moment, but their technology does sound very promising.

Basically, what they have done is wipe the silicon-cell completely, and instead use a variety of dyes and chemicals. This includes some found in nature such as haemoglobin (found in red blood cells), and chlorophyll (the green pigment that plants use to convert solar energy into material).

This method will likely do away with the large, inefficient (and aesthetically displeasing) solar cells found on rooftops etceteras. The chemicals can even be impregnated into material, so people may one day find themselves using their clothing to recharge their iPods or mobile phones.

It is believed that the new method will produce power for only one-tenth of the cost of producing it via silicon-based solar panels.

You can read more about this technology breakthrough at: Solar power breakthrough at Massey - New Zealand news on Stuff.co.nz.