“Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale.” Nanotechnology is incorporated into the production of several different products, everything from biodegradable plastics to toothpaste, paint to solar energy. Just recently, a major development was made on the solar front with the creation of a thin-film solar cell coater produced by the San Jose based company Nanosolar.

Thin-film solar cells were first developed over a decade ago. These new cells were 100 times thinner than the previously used silicon wafers. The cells conducted energy with the help of vacuum pressure and were deposited onto glass as a substrate. Less bulky than previously used silicon cells, these thin cells were still expensive to produce and not very efficient. However, that is changing. This new technology developed by Nanosolar works by simply printing a conductor ink onto the glass to create a solar panel. This expedites the process, allowing much higher production within a year than the previous manufacturing process. The hope is that this new development will make solar energy easier to produce and more affordable for widespread usage.

Recognizing this new technology as the wave of the future, there is literally a race going on with manufacturers working feverishly to be the first to streamline the process. Nanosolar is leading the way, having already shipped their first panels with this new technology last December. The Sharp Corporation is also actively pursuing thin-cell panels as well.

Nanotechnology is a growing science that may hold the secret to a cleaner, more eco-friendly, and efficient world. Talk with a prescreened solar contractor in your area to determine what solar options are available to you.

Photo Credit: GoodCleanTech.com

Posted on July 28th in Solar News by Anna.