Solar Power application in Africa

Ultra-Efficient Solar Power application in Africa

With such a growing demand of fuel, in the coming days, solar power seems to be the only solution to all of our energy needs.

At present, in many parts of the world, solar power is being harnessed via solar panels. Although the technology is not bad, but due to being static, meanwhile the position of the sun keeps on changing, the efficiency of these panels is quite low. 20% efficiency, while being a bit on the higher side in terms of pricing, is the only reason that keeps the consumers at bay.

For a developing nation like Africa, harnessing solar power for electricity is nothing less than a boon. To add to its advantage, the lower efficiency problem is also being addressed, successfully.

Harry Atwater is a pioneer in efficiently harnessing the solar power in this region. His lab has come up with a unique design, which can produce more than twice the solar power generated by other panels, available as of today.

The proposed device would use a design that efficiently splits sunlight, similar to the action of a prism, into six-eight component wavelengths. Depending upon the wavelength, the colour of the light will be determined, and each color would then be dispersed to a cell made of a semiconductor that can absorb it.

Atwater’s team has come up with 3 different designs, to utilize the abundant solar energy.

This device will surely be able to drag the prices of the solar panels down, as it’ll produce about 30-45% more energy, as compared to the present scenario. Hence, for Africa, this is a ripe chance to have its appetite for energy, fulfilled.

Solar Power application in Africa