Currently, the University of Cantabria and a Construction unit at Tecnalia are working together on a new mission entitled Sunglass project. The project emphasises on renewable for innovative buildings. The glass is supposed to enhance the performance of photovoltaic solar systems, so that more renewable energy can be used in the construction industry.
Photovoltaic means ‘light-electricity. It is a technology that has been spreading since the 1950s. More commonly, photovoltaic is considered as one of the most appropriate materials to make buildings more sustainable. The main objective of the Sunglass project is to increase the efficiency of the current solar panels, which is around 15 percent.
Most research engaged in improving the efficiency of solar panels has been focusing on semiconductor materials to enhance the solar spectrum. However, a new method is being envisaged in the Sunglass Project. The project focus on improving ‘conversion of frequencies’ (absorbing photons and then changing the frequencies while emitting the energy)
Research conducted on photoactive substances.
A dozen of photoactive substances has been scrutinized for the project. The aim was to find materials having the potential to absorb high-frequency radiation and thereafter emit the range better in solar cells. In the future these materials could even be used for solar panels or glass coating.
The substances were effectively used to develop a unique glass having photovoltaic purposes. The new glass had much higher energy efficiency.
Conversion of frequencies presents in new glass enabled solar cells to benefit from an improved efficiency of 2 to 3 percent. This ostensibly low improvement does have a radical impact on the building industry.
The introduction of these new improved glass solar cells will help to reduce carbon emissions even more. The photoactive substances can also be used for other widespread applications. It will therefore, help to further support the progress of solar energy.
Source: E-science News & Elhuyar Fundazioa
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