The new generation of solar panels will not need the silicon to convert light but will use organic pigments, synthesized biologically. The innovation is not born in California startup, but the University of Tor Vergata where he founded the Polo Solare Organico. It has been named the first project in Italy (something like being born in Germany and Japan) for photovoltaic and semi-transparent colors, capable of absorbing light without the use of silicon.
Their operation is based on organic solar cells that include all those devices whose part is based on the photoactive organic compounds of carbon. The basic structure of an organic cell is simple: it is called "sandwich" and consists of a substrate, usually glass, but also flexible plastic, and one or more thin films, which contain the photoactive materials, comes in between two conductive electrodes. The cells more efficient body, inspired by the process of photosynthesis, using a mixture of materials in which a pigment absorbs solar radiation and other components extract the charge to generate electricity. The range of pigments that can be used include those of plant-based, such as anthocyanins derived from berries, polymers and molecules synthesized in order to maximize absorption of the solar spectrum.
The brainchild of scientists and engineers is ready to become an industrial product. The project is passed by the laboratories of Tor Vergata in Polo Solar Chose (Center for hibrid and Organic Solar Energy), the art center located in the Technopole Tiburtino where the sun is about to experience organic phase of its industrialization. "The line - said Aldo Di Carlo, Project Manager and Director of polo - will initially have a limited production of 10 thousand square meters a year, with a cost. This will allow the product to penetrate the field of small and medium enterprises. We believe we can enter the market the first panels by 2010. " The revolutionary consequences in terms of business comes from the huge savings linked to the lack silicon, a chemical element that drives up the price of a panel of 60%. Its elimination would, ensures Professor Di Carlo, new models being built to bring down the cost per watt by 4 to 1 euro. To this we add the savings in machinery for the production of panels, which will cost 1 million euro compared to 15 or even the 100 required for other forms of photovoltaics. The jump
trade was made possible by the Lazio Region and some private investors who believed in the project. On the birth of the solar organic Polo came from Region 6 million of which were added for the funding of businesses. Among these, Erg Renew, the Dyesol and Permasteelisa, the company Italian leader in coatings for buildings - among others - collaborated on the design and the design of Sydney Opera House and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. "The case of Tor Vergata, says the deputy in charge of Lazio Region Philip Zaratti - is a successful applied research and give a strong impetus to the whole industry of renewable energy. " The objective, written with the understanding between the University of Tor Vergata and the Region, and technology transfer of these scientific discoveries to small and medium-sized enterprises, so that an innovation so sophisticated it can be made available to the Italian production . In addition to the industrial consequences, the initiative will have beneficial effects in the field of academic education. The excellence gained in the laboratories of organic solar Polo are available to young students through a Masters in International Photovoltaic Engineering and expects to attract from abroad that those talents on many occasions that cross the reverse way and flee from our country.
Source: Repubblica.it
Their operation is based on organic solar cells that include all those devices whose part is based on the photoactive organic compounds of carbon. The basic structure of an organic cell is simple: it is called "sandwich" and consists of a substrate, usually glass, but also flexible plastic, and one or more thin films, which contain the photoactive materials, comes in between two conductive electrodes. The cells more efficient body, inspired by the process of photosynthesis, using a mixture of materials in which a pigment absorbs solar radiation and other components extract the charge to generate electricity. The range of pigments that can be used include those of plant-based, such as anthocyanins derived from berries, polymers and molecules synthesized in order to maximize absorption of the solar spectrum.
The brainchild of scientists and engineers is ready to become an industrial product. The project is passed by the laboratories of Tor Vergata in Polo Solar Chose (Center for hibrid and Organic Solar Energy), the art center located in the Technopole Tiburtino where the sun is about to experience organic phase of its industrialization. "The line - said Aldo Di Carlo, Project Manager and Director of polo - will initially have a limited production of 10 thousand square meters a year, with a cost. This will allow the product to penetrate the field of small and medium enterprises. We believe we can enter the market the first panels by 2010. " The revolutionary consequences in terms of business comes from the huge savings linked to the lack silicon, a chemical element that drives up the price of a panel of 60%. Its elimination would, ensures Professor Di Carlo, new models being built to bring down the cost per watt by 4 to 1 euro. To this we add the savings in machinery for the production of panels, which will cost 1 million euro compared to 15 or even the 100 required for other forms of photovoltaics. The jump
trade was made possible by the Lazio Region and some private investors who believed in the project. On the birth of the solar organic Polo came from Region 6 million of which were added for the funding of businesses. Among these, Erg Renew, the Dyesol and Permasteelisa, the company Italian leader in coatings for buildings - among others - collaborated on the design and the design of Sydney Opera House and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. "The case of Tor Vergata, says the deputy in charge of Lazio Region Philip Zaratti - is a successful applied research and give a strong impetus to the whole industry of renewable energy. " The objective, written with the understanding between the University of Tor Vergata and the Region, and technology transfer of these scientific discoveries to small and medium-sized enterprises, so that an innovation so sophisticated it can be made available to the Italian production . In addition to the industrial consequences, the initiative will have beneficial effects in the field of academic education. The excellence gained in the laboratories of organic solar Polo are available to young students through a Masters in International Photovoltaic Engineering and expects to attract from abroad that those talents on many occasions that cross the reverse way and flee from our country.
Source: Repubblica.it
