Future | Future Solar
June 8, 2010 – 2:12 am
Up until recently Solar cell efficiency has not been all that impressive. An example would be multicrystalline panels. They range from 12%-17% in efficiency. Most home solar panels are constructed this way.
Then we have Thin Film Solar or flexible panels. These can range from 5%-8% in efficiency. These are the panels you see that can keep your car or boat battery charged.
The latest in alternative energy technology is “spray on solar”. You may hear this referred to as Quantum Dots Solar Power. An easy explanation for quantum dots is that they are a semiconductors. When combined with a special polymer can be sprayed on to a variety of materials.
Here is the twist. Up until these dots were discovered solar cell efficiency was low because the panels could only absorb visible light. That is why solar panels could not produce at night. Quantum Dots are a composite that will react to both visible light and infrared light.
The theory is that since infrared light takes place both during the day and night the insulation period is expanded and the efficiency improved. We give off infrared heat. Anything that heats up will give off infrared heat.
This alternative energy technology can be stitched into clothing and used to operate a cell phone or even a laptop. Imagine plugging your phone into your shirt. The potential applications are being studied by most of the major Solar Companies that do there own manufacturing.
They predict that solar panel efficiency can reach 30% by 2011. The actual construction, since it is flexible can be incorporated into all kinds of roofing systems. We already have Solar Shingles and with this new technology they will be able to do an even better job.
One of Solar’s big drawbacks is the cost. The cost keeps dropping but even still you are looking at anywhere from $8-$10 per watt. A 3KW (3,000 watt) system will run $24,000-$30,000 installed. The buzz around Quantum Dot Solar Power is that the cost could drop to a range from $1-$2 per watt.
Most people look at the payback period when considering solar or anything else for that matter. It does depend on your cost per KWH for electricity but I urge you to look at rate of return. Like I said the cost is dropping.
Ask your contractor to estimate what the solar will save you each month. Next (in the U.S.) multiply your total cost by 70%. This will be your net cost after your 30% tax credit assuming you have no other State incentives.
Now take your monthly saving and divide into you net cost. Here is an example: $10,000 cost less 30% = $7,000 net. If the system saves you $100 month x 12 equals $1,200 per year. Divide $7,000 by $1,200 =5.83. Now use the rule of 72 and divide 5.83 into 72= 12.34% return on investment.
So does solar have a future? I think we have answered the question will a very loud YES!!!
Dave has been involved in the Renewable Energy Industry since 1981. If you would like to know more about Alternative and Renewable Energy drop by his site.
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Tags: alternative energy sources, eco-homes, nano particles, solar companies
