SunWays Announces 19% Efficient Screen-printed 6" Solar Cell (Germany)

[jpak]

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/08/sunways-announces-19-efficient-screen-printed-6-solar-cell

Sunways announced that it was able to replicate its previously proven 19.1% efficient 5-inch silicon solar cell produced through screen-printing metallization on a 6" standard format.

In March this year the company announced that it worked with the Institut für Solarenergieforschung Hameln (ISFH) to produce a 5-inch solar cell with screen- printing metallization that was more than 19% efficient at converting sunlight to electricity. Through further development of solar cells with using screen printing technology Sunways AG was able to transfer efficiency increases to the 6” standard format cell.

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[ThomasQED]

1. I'm assuming 19% is good.

I'm interested in solar but not very knowledgeable. I just know enough to know it's not affordable for most people in their homes yet. How's progress going - is the efficiency going up quickly?

[jpak]

2. yes and yes

:hi:

[ve7pnl]

3. 19% Efficiency!

19% efficiency is great - a scientific and technological accomplishment. But in the real world - who cares? Maybe for spacecraft... In my world I have a wilderness cabin with 700 watts of solar power, the cost of the panels was about $2400. They take up an area of about 11 feet x 3 feet on my 2x4 frame.

My home and my cabin each have 1000-1500 square feet of roof area where I could put panels. So, in my world efficiency means almost nothing. Getting the
most power from the smallest area does not bring any advantage to the little guy.

If I could get 5% efficiency panels at $1 per watt or less, I'd cover the roof. And then start in on the yard!

So, while it is an interesting technological feat, it would seem efficiency has little relationship to affordability.

By the way - I design high tech electronic products, but still... to be out running my weed-eater, or cutting some 2x6 with a power saw - and knowing that all this power is coming from the sun.. it is awesome. And strange.

[diane in sf]

4. Welcome to DU--great post! That space efficiency is probably most useful in tight city

quarters where you may have 3 or more dwellings under that 1000 sq ft of roof.

[ve7pnl]

5. Solar Panel Efficiency

You are quite right. Thanks for your kind comment.

I'd love to cover 300 square feet with solar panels! And the
prices are going down.
My cabin is in the total wilderness. The wind has been coming
in off the beach
at over 15 knots for 90% of the time for the last 3 weeks and
around 20 or higher
for 75% of the time. Time for a 1KW windmill next!