Trade argument could stop brand new solar cell development

January 19, 2012 by Aljon

Renewable power has constantly had a cost issue, because it is more expensive than fossil fuels. Researchers have now produced a solar cell that is efficient enough to be financially competitive with fossil fuels. Article resource: New solar cells could make solar power mass-market cheap

Cell created

By capturing heat from photovoltaic cells, plastic semiconductors produced by the National Renewable energy Laboratory are much more effective than previous solar cells. These solar panels create more energy with fewer cells, reducing the cost drastically. The process allows a rise in theoretical efficiency of a solar cell from 31 percent to 66 percent. That is a huge increase from what current commercial cells give off.

A brand new balance

The cost of renewable energy has always been of good concern for individuals attempting to get solar energy to be more widely adopted. Solar cells can be very expensive, and the relatively low efficiency has made them even more expensive. Homeowners who install solar cell systems on their homes can expect to earn the cost back over 15 to 25 years. On a larger scale, power companies can install solar energy with government subsidies, however they are often prohibitively expensive.

Theories considered

Even though solar energy might be less expensive than fossil fuels with this enormous advancement, it may never come to pass. The U.S. thinks that China is being unfair to the rest of the world by offering large subsidies on solar panels and solar equipment. This is why the U.S. is considering putting a tariff on Chinese solar cell parts. Certainly China has responded that the United States also utilizes subsidies making this a “pot calling the kettle black” situation. Either way, it is going to be more expensive to get the brand new solar panels if the U.S. does not back off the brand new law.

Sources

TG Daily: http://www.tgdaily.com/sustainability-features/60289-solar-cell-could-be...

PC World: http://www.pcworld.com/article/246690/solar_energy_reaches_a_new_efficie...

MIT Tech Review: http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/39330/?p1=MstRcnt

The Register: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/19/pentacen_quantum_solar_cells/

National Geographic: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2010/11/101105-cost-of-so...