Is Tin Viable For Solar Cell Technology?

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Is Tin Viable For Solar Cell Technology?

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Researchers from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois have been developing a solar cell that is promising to provide “enhanced efficiency and a smaller environmental footprint”, according to a report released from the University.

The cell will utilize a perovskite structure that uses tin rather than lead that is traditionally used as the light-absorbing material. Tin is low cost, environmentally friendly and easily manufactured, making it ideal for the solar cell.

Researchers discovered the tin solar cell had a six percent efficiency and that, they say, is an ideal starting point. Tin has the unique ability to absorb light from the visible light spectrum, capture it, dissolve it and reform it without the use of heat. It’s anticipated that tin will be capable of matching the efficiency of lead, which is about fifteen percent. Because tin and lead fall into the same group on the periodic table, researchers expect similar results from it.

A solid-state tin solar cell is comprised of five layers of the metal, which are then charged with electrically conducting glass. Another layer of titanium dioxide is placed on the glass and these, combined act as the “electrical front contact of the solar cell.”

Because solar energy is free and forever sustainable, researchers are looking for efficient ways to harvest the energy it can create in ways that they hope will “raise our standard of living and help preserve the environment.”

Universe Optics is a manufacturer of lenses that work in both visible and near-visible ultra violet light settings.