Sustainable Energy

Low-Cost Solar

Solar cells can produce 10 times more electricity per gram of silicon thanks to this system.

Aug 25, 2010

Solar cells can produce 10 times more electricity per gram of silicon thanks to this system, which concentrates sunlight on the cells with the help of parabolic troughs and a tracking system that keeps them pointed at the sun. Concentrated sunlight ordinarily causes solar cells to overheat, impairing their performance, but this system uses heat sinks and convection to prevent that problem. The reflective troughs, a type already used in solar thermal plants that concentrate sunlight to make steam and drive turbines, can be made in high volume at low prices.