news digest ♦ Solar
Ascent Solar to debut new EnerPlex CIGS chargers
The firm has added two new products to its Kickr line of solar chargers. The Kickr I is suited to charging batteries and power banks while the Kickr II is capable of charging most smartphones in under five hours
Ascent Solar Technologies has announced the debut of the company’s newest additions to the Kickr line of personal solar chargers, the EnerPlex Kickr I and II.
using traditional rigid mono-crystalline solar panels which are heavy, fragile and cumbersome.
Ascent Solar’s Vice President of Product Development, Robert Meck says, “The Kickr I & II and the expansion of the Kickr line represents another step forward for Ascent’s consumer brand, EnerPlex as we continue to deliver rugged and innovative solutions to consumers who require the absolute best in portable charging solutions, whether they are working in a remote oil field or summiting a treacherous peak.”
Both the Kickr I & II are available to purchase via Ascent’s retail locations in the Denver metropolitan area as well as online through
www.goenerplex.com.
Cheaper and more accessible solar cells
The Kickr I portable solar charger
The Kickr I, with a 1.5 watt output is perfect for charging batteries and power banks; while the Kickr II is capable of charging most smartphones in under five hours with a 3 watt output.
Both the Kickr I & II are lightweight, flexible and compact, allowing for easy attachment to anything imaginable, from a bike to a backpack.
New research paves way for nanoparticle-based ‘ink’ to make printable or spray-on solar cells
(Edmonton) University of Alberta researchers have found that abundant materials in the Earth’s crust can be used to make inexpensive and easily manufactured nanoparticle-based solar cells.
The discovery is an important step forward in making solar power more accessible to parts of the world that are off the traditional electricity grid or face high power costs, such as the Canadian North, says researcher Jillian Buriak.
Buriak is a chemistry professor and senior research officer of the National Institute for Nanotechnology based on the U of A campus.
The Kickr II charging a Samsung Galaxy S III
The Kickr line of personal solar chargers is uniquely enabled by the flexible, rugged, lightweight and thin form factor of Ascent’s proprietary CIGS solar cells. EnerPlex Kickr products are ideal for consumers who desire a robust, durable and rugged charging solution when off the grid, unlike chargers manufactured by competitors
110
www.compoundsemiconductor.net October 2013
UAlberta researcher Jillian Buriak (centre) worked with post-doctoral fellows Erik Luber (right) andHosnay Mobarok to create nanoparticles that could lead to printable or spray-on solar cells
Buriak and her team have designed nanoparticles that absorb light and conduct electricity from two very common elements: phosphorus and zinc. Both materials
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