Clean energy sources are in high demand with photovoltaic energy systems viewed as increasingly competitive. While solar energy is unlimited, the ability to fully harness it is hampered by inefficient systems, along with material and manufacturing costs, which decrease its value in comparison to traditional energy sources, such as fossil fuels. This technology can be easily fabricated from any number of inexpensive materials (i.e., plastics, metals) and can be manufactured using readily available techniques (i.e., lithography, spin-coating). It consists of multiple layers of conductive materials and contains a charge-carrying channel capable of concentrating and therefore enhancing the technologies' energy production.
A cost-effective solar panel would serve as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. This low cost technology is a fully solid-state embodiment that is highly efficient and easily manufactured. It converts solar energy into electrical energy in a way that focuses and directs the flow of charge-carriers through the use of a channel template acting as a removable pattern. This technology prevents the bidirectional flow of charge that leads to low output and decreased efficiency. The material composition, geometry of channels, and types of charge-carrier-transport materials can be varied for any application.
This technology increases efficiency and lowers costs in a way that makes the embodiment of it a viable option for any consumer.
Patent Issued (US 6,991,958)
Available for licensing and sponsored research support
Tech Ventures Reference: IR M03-038