|
|
Mo' Bettah Sunshine
Scientists have announced a new manufacturing technique which promises to significantly reduce the cost of solar cells. They're not as efficient as current models, but if they're 30% less efficient and cost 90% less to make, well, that's math even a progressive greenie will likely understand.
don't know if this is the same stuff, but I remember a Talk of the Nation Science Friday show a few months back talking about new technology for solar cells that are 'printed' like sheets of wallpaper. so you could just take a few rolls and cover your roof with them and, tada, you're generating power.
combine that with the new tech for easily splitting water into H and O2, and a hydrogen storage tank in the backyard, and maybe solar power can scale to actually being a significant contributor to our energy usage.
(all this is just while we wait for Mr. Fusion)
Posted by: mrfred on March 2, 2010 10:30 AMSolar cells are one part of the equation. IIRC the inverter that's needed to convert that power into household voltage is also quite expensive. At least, I recall it was when I looked into wind power. Someone who know what they're doing could probably rig one themselves, but then I'm wondering if they'd be allowed to tie it into the grid.
If I could figure out a 5 year payback on any green tech like this, I'd be all over it.
Posted by: Ron ap Rhys on March 2, 2010 01:43 PM