Η energy from photovoltaic systems has grown significantly in recent years. However, the energy coming from the sun represents only 1,5% of the total energy used by Europe.
The reason why this percentage is so small is enough: interruptions in energy supply due to weather conditions, difficulty in storing the energy produced, and costly solar panels.
That's why researchers at the Electronics and Micro Centertechniqueof Switzerland, which has Nesatel as its headquarters, are testing new technologies models which can lead to an increase in solarof energy we consume.
They use, in fact, less expensive materials that reduce costs and new technological innovations that can lead to greater absorption of sunlight.
Claudio Rocco, Euronews envoy to Nestelle, asked the manager of the photovoltaic center, Kristof Balif:
"Here we have two solar panels. One is older technology, while the other is modern. Can you explain the difference? "
"There are two fundamental differences. One is visible, the other is not. The visible one is this: you can see here in this collector, three copper lines, which help us to get the current. There are also several lines of silver. But we have more copper lines than silver, resulting in a 5% reduction in cost partreatments. This is the first difference. The second is invisible. At this point, we added a nanometer layer of silicon, which raises the voltage by 15%, so there is a 15% higher efficiency," replied Balif and added:
"Another advantage is that if you place this new generation of solar panels in the sun, they are warmed up. Performance is lower than this type of panel, but it means we produce more kilowatts per hour. "
After construction, the next important step is to test the strength of the solar panel. This is the hail test. 4 centimeter diameter ice chips, created by a special freezer, fall on the solar panel at a speed of 27 meters per second. This is a way of controlling the strength of the panel and the thin silicon layer, while electrical capabilities remain the same.
Then test the strength of the solar panels to lift heavy loads. These metal bricks weigh each 12,5 pounds stacked in such a way as to withstand strong winds and heavy snowfall. These tests make it possible to select the right materials.
"In addition to reliability tests, we also perform electrical performance tests, which are very important because they allow us to calculate how much energy the panel produces. These data are of great interest to us. To use them, we have bright tables, like what you see behind me, which copy the solar radiation and allow us to measure the electrical efficiency of the panels. Measurement allows us to understand if there is a manufacturing problem, especially with regard to electrical interconnections, "explained Lor-Emmanuel Pere, from the research team of the Electronic and Minority Center of Switzerland.
"Solar panels are often accused of being bad. Researchers at Neastel have created this panel, termed "terracotta". It has a color that fits most of the tiles we find on the roofs of European homes, "says Euronews envoy Claudio Rocco.
Scientists believe that new technologies that are more efficient and less expensive will help to significantly increase the market for solar panels and photovoltaics. The research carried out at Netectel is not exclusively on the theoretical level, as scientists there collaborate with industry companies to supply the market with new types of solar collectors.
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