New solar panel technology announced

"Work done over the last two years indicates that panels can be produced in commercial volumes at a cost of about R 500 for a 50 Watt panel. This is much cheaper than existing solar panels available on the market. CIGS is a remarkably stable material and conversion efficiencies should be sustainable for 15-20 years in any given panel."

R500 = $82 to power a porch light? I can hardly wait.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RonH @ Apr 24 2006, 11:46 PM) [snapback]244706[/snapback]</div>

$82 paid upfront to power a porch light for 15-20 years. Replace your incandescent lights with new white LED lighting, and light up however many rooms your family is using. Of course, you'd also need batteries (and possibly an inverter) to do this at night.

But I think that was a flash in the pan, like others have said. CIGS has been around a long time, and other companies, like Daystar and Energy Conversion Devices are producing thin-film solar panels. The article never really said what was so unique about that particular design (trade secrets apparently).

nerfer

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tripp @ Apr 24 2006, 10:29 PM) [snapback]244675[/snapback]</div>

I was thinking wind turbines also. I believe France is shooting for 20% wind generated energy in their mix.