13 replies to this topic

[tri-n-b-helpful]

A couple of years ago, Israeli company 3G Solar developed the first commercial-sized solar energy system using colored dyes instead of expensive silicon. It even works without sun! It operates in a similar fashion to the natural process of photosynthesis & uses the green pigment in plants & algae to absorb light & convert it into energy. The manufacturing costs are about one-fifth that of conventional solar cells. It requires no expensive, specialized equipment or labs & is perfect for use in developing countries. The efficiency figures are comparable with existing solar technology. Its invention is credited to Swiss Professor Michael Graetzel of Lausanne Polytechnique in 1988.

http://www.reuters.c...&videoChannel=6

http://www.reuters.c...953612620090709

How would you be? The next time the house is up for a paint job, do it with this, then plug it in to make it pay for itself!

[zararina]

Sounds really great and interesting.
If it really works, wonder why it seems not too popular compared to the more expensive type of solar panels. Maybe more details/studies/researches is needed in order for it to become a hit on the market.

[still learning]

tri-n-b-helpful, on 07 April 2012 - 05:45 PM, said:

A couple of years ago.....

Maybe something useful will come of this.  Or maybe not.  
Looks like they don't have an actual product to sell yet.  If you go to the 3GSolar company website you can find "Please note 3GSolar Photovoltaics does not yet produce solar modules...."  http://3gsolar.com/

Wait and see.

[steph84]

Thanks for the heads up tri-n-b-helpful! I  hope there is a breakthrough in affordable solar power. All of the cheap panels I have seen just send up in the junkyard after 2 years tops. It just seems like it defeats the purpose at that rate.

[MyDigitalpoint]

It's not just interesting, but something that government in developing countries should consider because this technology would help them to cope with energy problems they face.

Incidentally the poorest countries are those where energy is more costly than elsewhere.

[meowcow]

This sounds awesome! I have been waiting for a cheaper solar solution to come up, because I know the old models are a bit pricey. I can't wait for this to get developed further and be more accessible for the masses. Thanks so much for sharing, this is great news. :)

[Solar Security]

I wonder if these dyed solar panels will fade over time?

[dissn_it]

That would be really nice to have a more affordable way to utilize solar power. I think more people would use solar power if they could afford it but it seems to be something most folks just can't purchase. The concept does make a lot of sense, so hopefully they will be able to make a sellable product very soon.

[j_pin]

Well that is really cool! I would love to have solar power at my house but it is honestly just too expensive to switch over to it right now. It would be great if something affordable like this were to come out. I would get it immediately, especially since I live in Southern California.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

A new study from Bloomberg New Energy Finance finds that solar power is a much more competitive power option than many think. Basically, the technology has changed so fast that many people just don’t realize it’s such a good option now.
Source: Clean Technica (http://s.tt/1cdEo)

"A new study from Bloomberg New Energy Finance finds that solar power is a much more competitive power option
than many think.
Basically, the technology has changed so fast that many people just don’t realize it’s such a good option now.
In the past 3 years, solar power has grown four-fold. With this and also largely because of this, solar panel prices
have dropped about 75% in that time."
Article

[dissn_it]

That is so good to know that the prices for solar power are coming down. It does sound like it will be much more affordable that ever before. Some products can simply be plugged in and thus bypass the expense of a contractor installing them. I found this website while poking around for more information.
http://www.jetsongre...tions-home.html
Clarian Power is hoping to sell their solar panels in home improvement stores in the near future.

[FamilyTreeClimber]

This is fascinating.  I've always felt that once people figure out there is money to be made we'll be seeing solar panels everywhere.

I would like to see regulations in the US  so that solar panels are required on all new housing.  There might even be a federal program to help it along like rural electrification in the 1940s.

I keep hearing commercials from a company that leases solar panels to homeowners.  The commercial claims it's a cheaper option than buying them.  Is leasing a good option or would it cost more over the lifetime of the home?

[Shortpoet-GTD]

FamilyTreeClimber, on 18 May 2012 - 01:17 PM, said:

I keep hearing commercials from a company that leases solar panels to homeowners.  The commercial claims it's a cheaper option than buying them.  Is leasing a good option or would it cost more over the lifetime of the home?

I would think it would be similar to leasing a car. Probably more expensive, but for people that move often
because of work, or live in condos-or other reasons-leasing would be preferred. Plus, they would take
care of issues, breakdowns, damage-etc. that an owner would have to deal with on their own. Win-win for some.

[happyrocinante]

FamilyTreeClimber, on 18 May 2012 - 01:17 PM, said:

I would like to see regulations in the US  so that solar panels are required on all new housing.  There might even be a federal program to help it along like rural electrification in the 1940s.

Wow, wouldn't that be wonderful.  Of course I don't see that happening anytime soon.     I can't even imagine how the goverment would get the funds to pay for it.  I just wish they would come up with some affordable ones that everyday people could buy now.