Solar Power Becoming Possible?

[Blues]

Sharp Triple Layer Solar Cell Sets New Efficiency Record

The gauntlet has been thrown down yet again in the solar cell efficiency arms race. This time Sharp comes up with a cell that can harvest 35.8% of available sunlight.

How do they do it? With a triple junction compound solar cell that uses three photo absorption layers made from elements like indium and gallium. I'll leave it to the physical chemistry geniuses among you to explain exactly what that means in the comments.

You might have heard of efficiency ratings that climb into the 40% range. Sharp even lists one in their press release. To clarify, those are different tests. Apparently there's a distinction made in efficiency ratings between concentrated and unfocused light. The more you know, right?

I'm no hippie but I think solar tech is kind of cool. As long as it means I dont have to pay the power company more money for my electric bill

[P_chan]

Cool article! When I eventually own a home, I want to build a wind turbine in my backyard and install solar panels on the roof. That way I'd generate my own power

[I Am Luna]

Plaque is a figment of the liberal media and the dental industry to scare you into buying useless appliances and pastes. Now, I've read the arguments on both sides, and I haven't found ANY evidence yet to support the need to brush your teeth. Ever.

[gtlm2000]

That's cool. Solar power will be main generation of electricity in Japan.

[dk]

Originally Posted by P_chan

Cool article! When I eventually own a home, I want to build a wind turbine in my backyard and install solar panels on the roof. That why I'd generate my own power

Yeah, that's usually the whole point... lol

[Richard Burns]

Originally Posted by I Am Luna

Plaque is a figment of the liberal media and the dental industry to scare you into buying useless appliances and pastes. Now, I've read the arguments on both sides, and I haven't found ANY evidence yet to support the need to brush your teeth. Ever.

Yea, except I don't think the chicks will go for dudes who don't brush their teeth. I'm almost certain.

[Tanimaga]

Originally Posted by dk

Yeah, that's usually the whole point... lol

Just in case anyone missed it.

[socalheart]

Originally Posted by P_chan

Cool article! When I eventually own a home, I want to build a wind turbine in my backyard and install solar panels on the roof. That way I'd generate my own power

My in-laws are thinking about putting one up on their ranch. Supposedly, not only do you get a discount or rebate on the thing, but you also receive money from the electric company for power you generate for its customers. For a single home or building, solar panels seem more practical though... unless you already have a wind turbine thing in the back forty.

[Tanimaga]

Originally Posted by socalheart

My in-laws are thinking about putting one up on their ranch. Supposedly, not only do you get a discount or rebate on the thing, but you also receive money from the electric company for power you generate for its customers. For a single home or building, solar panels seem more practical though... unless you already have a wind turbine thing in the back forty.

A friend who lives out gate 1 Kadena had the city office install solar panels, and after all is said and done, he claims a yearly electricity bill of Y5000.

They won't do it for my home.. already asked

[SnaFu]

Originally Posted by I Am Luna

Plaque is a figment of the liberal media and the dental industry to scare you into buying useless appliances and pastes. Now, I've read the arguments on both sides, and I haven't found ANY evidence yet to support the need to brush your teeth. Ever.

That's just downright nasty. IMHO