Man's Next Migration

Researchers find a new way to use photovoltaic or solar cells adding vertical silicon nanowires. Present solar cells convert solar energy at about 20% efficiency but are only suitable for a large scale deployment.

In an effort to reduce costs in solar electric power, scientists are now focusing on reducing the quantity and quality of silicon being used to create solar cells. Researchers have gained the ability to instead trap sunlight in the solar cells by using silicon nanowires. A special fabrication technique allows them to “increase the light-trapping” in the solar cells “by a factor of 73.” The technology uses “simple and scalable aqueous chemistry process” that is inexpensive.

Current solar cells use about 100 micrometers of thick and pure-grade silicon wafers to absorb solar energy. The new radial geometry design traps solar light within lower-grade silicon nanowire arrays that are only eight micrometers thick. This promises low cost but high-efficiency solar cells that could even reduce further costs in large scale solar power plants.

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