The Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST)
has made a step forward in solar energy. The institute says that
in cooperation with Toshiba and chemical company JSR, it has
developed technology [JP] that makes it possible to slash
productions costs of solar cells by up to 70% when compared to
existing methods. With the JAIST method, an organic solvent is
added to silicon hydride polymers to create a liquid, ink-like
material, which is then used to cover a glass substrate surface.
The (amorphous silicon) solar cells are produced by heating that
substrate to 400C. Vacuum units used in existing solar cell
production processes are not needed, according to the JAIST. The
institute says that it’s currently working on boosting the
cells’ conversion efficiency and that it aims at commercializing
the technology in partnership with major Japanese solar cell
makers. Via Asahi Shimbun [JP]