Solar cell technology just keeps on growing. Recent years have added metal foil designs to the solar cell repertoire. With foil-based cells, copper and other materials replace silicon as the semiconductors and are placed into a protective metal foil. While traditional cells require heavy module packaging for protection, solar cells placed in flexible titanium or stainless steel foils are resistant and lightweight at the same time. The material is even thinner than household aluminum foil and comparably flexible, enabling the cells to bend into curved surfaces.
DayStar Technologies Inc. introduced a pioneer version of the foil-based technology in early 2005. The company’s product, LightFoil, was originally designed to meet the challenges of high altitude airships, unmanned aerial vehicles, and orbital satellite craft.
Siemens has come up with another use for foil with their organic solar cells. Like DaySar, the company replaced the popular silicon-based semiconductor. Siemens uses organic photodetectors printed on foils for solar cells that are similarly flexible and lightweight. Nanostar has also researched the potential use of foil to print solar cells using a high-yield roll-to-roll printing process, bringing solar electric soils to the market in a cost-effective way.
As foil-based technology demonstrates, alternatives to silicon wafer cells are constantly being researched to improve the adoption of solar energy on a larger and more compliant scale. According to New Energy New York, it’s also predicted that silicon will be in short supply by 2010.
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Phill Ricord January 13, 2009 To Whom It May Concern: As a home owner who has lived off the grid for well over 20 years I am pleased to Recommend Daniel Tittmann to anyone seeking assistance in designing, purchacing, installing or repairing alternative energy systems and/or components. In 2007 he was part of a team who upgraded our home’s existing solar and hydro-electric system to meet our ever expanding need for alternative power. Daniel Worked diligently and methodically to ensure that our system was professionally installed and left us with a sense of confidence that he would be there for us when we needed service or advice. Later when we decided to install solar electric water pumping system tie into our existing photovoltaic system, Daniel did it all. He designed, purchased and installed a low wattage pump that allowed us t break free from our dependence from our gas driven pump. He showed up on time, as scheduled and went out of his way to be certain that we were satisfied. When, through our own negligence, the pump failed due to inadequate filtration, Daniel promptly serviced the pump and returned it to service. Daniel and his company Greenwired Solar Solutions, is our “go to guy” when it comes to alternative energy solutions. His rates are reasonable, he is trustworthy and punctual. If he is unsure, he seeks help. He is easy to work with and his earned my respect and my business. Please feel free to contact me for further info if you wish at 707 442 6620 Phil Record President Wildberries Marketplace Since this letter was written I have installed and serviced a second electric pump, a solar system on a guest house/ studio as well as fixing a hydroelectric system.
I have used Bob and his crew for several jobs. He handles himself very professionally.