Oxford scientists develop revolutionary solar cell coating that promises to create power from everyday objects
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Scientists at Oxford University have developed a groundbreaking technology that could revolutionise the way we harness solar energy. Their innovation, an ultra-thin and light-absorbing solar cell coating, is capable of generating electricity when applied to almost any surface.
Unlike traditional silicon-based solar panels, this revolutionary material can be applied to everyday objects such as rucksacks, cars, and buildings. By stacking multiple light-absorbing layers, the researchers have achieved an energy efficiency of over 27 per cent, matching the performance of conventional solar panels for the first time. ‘We believe that, over time, this approach could enable the photovoltaic devices to achieve far greater efficiencies, exceeding 45 per cent,’ says Dr Shuaifeng Hu, a researcher involved in the project. This breakthrough has been independently verified by Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology.
The flexibility and efficiency of this new material offer significant advantages over existing solar technologies. Its thin profile allows for application to curved surfaces, while its ability to convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently could reduce the need for large-scale solar farms. The researchers believe their approach will continue to reduce the cost of solar and also make it the most sustainable form of renewable energy.
The team, led by Professor Henry Snaith, has been at the forefront of photovoltaic research for over a decade. Their work has already led to the establishment of Oxford PV, a company focused on commercialising this technology. However, the researchers warn that government support is crucial for the UK to capitalise on this opportunity and become a global leader in solar energy manufacturing.
Professor Snaith explains that while significant strides have been made in the laboratory, translating this technology into large-scale production requires substantial investment and support. ‘Thus far the UK has thought about solar energy purely in terms of building new solar farms, but the real growth will come from commercialising innovations – we very much hope that the newly-created British Energy will direct its attention to this.’
As the world seeks to transition to a low-carbon economy, the development offers a promising pathway towards a more sustainable future.
