Jun 7 2010
Evolution Solar has congratulated the efforts of California’s Stanford University students for creating a sophisticated design that has the ability to enhance the photovoltaic panel efficiency by using a novel type of electrodes. Recently, this design technology has won the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Clean Energy Prize. A team called C3Nano, comprising the university’s postgraduate chemical engineering scientists, had developed this electrode technology.
This technology, termed as the “carbon nanobased transparent electrode” is likely to enhance thin-film PV panel efficiency by facilitating increased sunlight penetration by around 12% into the PV panel. This lightweight, flexible electrode is estimated to cost around one-tenth of that of other similar electrodes made using conventional materials.
The clean energy prize offers mentoring and capital resources for green energy entrepreneurs from the U.S. universities. This competition, having received $65 million in funding from the government and private investors since its commencement, has introduced several green ventures.
In collaboration with Texas Southern University, Evolution Solar is constructing a solar demonstration facility, which is likely to be situated at the Houston Campus of the University. The project is likely to assist Evolution Solar garner new projects in the energy industry.