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NEWSREVIEW


Breakthrough in sight for new cheaper solar cells


RESEARCHERS at the University of Surrey have reported a novel route to increase the efficiency of solar cells by using tiny structures that are typically ten thousandth the width of a human hair called nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes are rolled up sheets of honeycomb- structured carbon atoms that are typically hundred thousandth of a millimetre in diameter.


The single or multi-walled carbon nanotube structures have remarkable physical, chemical and electronic properties with conductivity better than any other known single element material including copper, thermal conductivity better than diamond, and extraordinary mechanical strength surpassing that of high tensile steel.


Experts at the University’s Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) have found a way to enhance the photo-current of organic materials based solar cells using these multi-wall carbon nanotubes. The work has the potential to develop low


cost, light-weight, printable and flexible renewable energy sources. In a recent publication in the journal Advanced Materials, they report how incorporating nanotubes into an ultra thin charge donor- acceptor organic material blend helps to significantly improve photo-generated charge transfer from the solar cell to the electrical circuit.


Professor Ravi Silva, Director of the ATI and co-author, stated that the incorporation of carbon nanotubes into the traditional organic solar cell structure in the form of triple junctions allows for more charges to be extracted from the cell, increasing the power delivery to the load.


He said: “The main obstacle for this approach has been the deleterious effects associated with incorporating the nanotubes. We have adopted a method to alter the outer tube of the multi-wall


nanotube so that they can be mixed well in organic materials with suitable solvents.”


Lead researcher Dr Damitha Adikaari added: “The approach is adaptable to a large number of similar systems, which would allow for better design freedom of large area, printable and flexible solar cells leading to lower cost”.


The technique developed by Nismy and co-workers demonstrate a unique method of overcoming the very low charge mobility in traditional organic materials, and shows how a very small modification to the charge transport system on the nanoscale can give rise to significant cost advantages when the triple junction carbon nanotube system is adopted to organic photovoltaic devices.


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The techniques can also be used for organic light emitting diodes and other photonic systems. The research is fully sponsored by the energy supplier E.ON.


Barclays banks on sunny future for farmers


BARCLAYS has launched a £100 million fund for UK farmers investing in renewable energy. New figures released by the bank reveal that more than a third of the UK’s 200,000 farmers are expecting to invest in renewable energy, with the majority doing so within the next year. Farmers are further expecting the investment to generate returns averaging £25,000 per year.


Developed with sector specialists including National Farmers Union (NFU), the fund is available for solar, wind, and hydro projects in the UK, with Barclays including projected feed-in-tariffs (FIT) when assessing each loan.


“For farmers investing makes sense, it’s good for the environment, but for the majority it’s about good business,” said Travers Clarke-Walker, Product and Marketing Director for Barclays Business. “Over the years farmers have struggled with low commodity prices and increasing


costs, and Barclays has already supported many farmers as they seek new ways of making money. Renewable energy production offers farmers a further opportunity to develop their businesses.


“When looking at a new renewable project, reliable technology, competent maintenance and management are all important considerations, though of course farmers should also keep an eye on the current feed in tariff rates offered to ensure it works for their business.”


Four out of five of the farmers questioned recognise that renewable energy can provide significant cost savings, with 60 per cent expecting it to generate additional income for their business. In the medium term, increased investment in renewable energy appears even more likely, with Barclays predicting the costs of wind and solar projects to fall by up to 50 per cent in the next three to five years. The new fund will support the recent


commitment for the UK to generate 15 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. In establishing the fund Barclays has worked closely with a number of organisations to develop this new fund, including the NFU, Country, Land & Business Association; Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The organisations will continue to be involved with the fund in an advisory capacity, and their views will be fed in to consideration for loan applications.


“The opportunities for farmers to produce renewable energy thereby helping to decarbonise the economy and contribute to the UK’s long-term energy security are there for all to see,” said Meurig Raymond, NFU deputy president. “Given the significant up-front costs of renewables technologies, commercial lending is essential to unlocking these opportunities, so it’s great to see Barclays committing to make additional funding to the sector”.


www.solar-pv-uk.com Issue IV 2011


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