In current technology about 30% of the light is reflected back into space. We have created a 3-dimentional structure in the silicon that virtually eliminates reflection by causing the light to bounce around within the structure until it is fully absorbed.
3D Solar Technology Improves Efficiency
Jim Nelson | Solar 3D
1. What makes Solar 3D a better option than what exists currently on the market?
Solar3D technology has two attributes that makes its performance substantially stronger than what is currently available.
First is that it is substantially more efficient. Second, it can collect more energy during periods when the light is coming in from more severe angles--we call this wide angle collection. The combination of these characteristics means that a Solar3D cell will produce about 200% of the power of a solar cell currently available.
2. What are the key aspects of this solar technology that makes it better? How is the technology behind Solar 3D different?
In current technology about 30% of the light is reflected back into space. We have created a 3-dimentional structure in the silicon that virtually eliminates reflection by causing the light to bounce around within the structure until it is fully absorbed.
Furthermore, in current technology, some of the energy from the sun is reabsorbed into the silicon before it reaches a contact to create a current. A Solar3D cell has thin collecting areas that direct the loosed electrons quickly to a contact with minimal reabsorption.
3. Where is Solar 3D in the development process?
Just finishing the proof of concept prototype. Will now proceed to manufacturing prototype and then a pilot run. Should be ready for production by late 2013
4. When will Solar 3D panels be available on the commercial market?
We have targeted commercial entry into the market by the end of 2013
5. Will any increase in cost of 3D panels be offset by the increase in efficiency?
We have calculated that the net reduction in the price of electricity from the Solar3D technology relative to currently available solar cells will be about 40%. The energy production will double and the cost will go up about 25%.
6. Will special skills and/or equipment be necessary to install the 3D panels?
We are the development company so this issue will be covered by our manufacturing partner. But our solar cells will fit onto a standard panel so installation should be identical
7. What type of application do you see as the initial market for the panels --- Residential, Commercial or Utility?
We will look to be a replacement technology for all current PV applications and will make new applications economical
8. What is your opinion of the solar industry's future? Do you think that solar really will become a mainstream form of energy?
The Solar industry will one day become Mankind's primary source of energy. it will continue to be the fastest growing industry in the world for the next 30-50 years as the costs of electricity from solar technology drop and the penetration of household and commercial energy needs will increase at an every growing rate. To get my vision of what the future of the solar world will be, go to this link http://blog.solar3d.com/post/6623561776/a-vision-of-the-future-family-power
Biography Of James B. Nelson, President and CEO, Solar3D, Inc.
James Nelson is the President and CEO of Solar3D, Inc., a developer of new solar technology will make solar energy economically accessible to the world.
Jim began his executive career 30 years ago at Bain and Co., the world’s premier business strategy consulting firm, where he managed teams of consultants on four continents, solving CEO-level issues for global companies. Prior to joining Solar3D, he spent 20 years in the private equity industry as a capital partner and operating CEO to portfolio companies. Jim was a General Partner at Peterson Partners and at Millennial Capital Partners from 1991 through 2010. In addition to his responsibilities in acquisition and divestiture, he worked as a chief executive of two portfolio companies. The companies he has led have created exceptional returns for investors -- sometimes more than 20 times the value of the original investment.
Prior to his years in private equity, Jim was an officer of The Gap, where he managed company-wide marketing for Banana Republic, as well as its initial international expansion. He was also General Manager for the highly profitable catalog division. He also served as an officer of Saga Corporation, a multi-billion dollar food service company.
Mr. Nelson received his master’s degree in business administration from Brigham Young University, where he graduated summa cum laude and was named “Outstanding MBA Graduate.”
The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of AltEnergyMag
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