Third Gen Solar Inventor Wins $1.07 Million Millennium Prize

At École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland, Michael Graetzel is a scientist and professor of photonics and interfaces. To the rest of the world, he is the inventor of “Graetzel Cells,” better known as dye-sensitized solar cells. DSSCs are leaders among third generation solar innovations. They are low-cost, easy to produce, thin and flexible if need be.

When you hear about radical solar technologies like organic solar cells, solar paint or solar cells made with pokeberries, the odds are good the science which created that technology stemmed from Michael Graetzel’s own scientific innovations. And for that he has received the 2010 Millennium Technologies Prize and a hefty $1.07 million to further his research.

Even better is the fact that DSSCs can be made by anyone at home. In fact, in recognition of Graetzel’s award, the Technology Academy of Finland, which awards the Millennium Prize every other year, has posted a link to directions on how to make your own experimental dye-sensitized solar cell.

The Millennium Technologies Prize is awarded every two years for a “specific and groundbreaking innovation that has a favorable impact on the quality of life and human well-being.” The Finnish academy obviously believes that Graetzel cells will play a major role in the future of solar technology, as well as energy generation and consumption.

Like its peers on the front lines of solar research and development, the Graetzel solar cell must achieve commercialization with conversion efficiencies rivaling today’s solar industry leaders (10-percent efficiency has been reached in the laboratory). Professor Graetzel’s million-plus dollar Millennium Prize at least ensures his research will not end anytime soon.

In an honorable mention, one of the runners-up for this year’s prize is also connected to the solar industry. Cambridge University professor Richard Friend received 150,000 euros for his work with organic semiconductor components.

Source: DailyTech

Posted on June 10th in Solar Research by Dan.