a brighter future: five ideas that will change solar energy - solar energy traffic lights

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In principle, the world's energy needs can be met through a single source ---the sun.
However, there are challenges in achieving this goal: first, to be affordable and to find a way to effectively capture this energy into electricity.
Recently, a new material called perovskite has come to light, and in just a few years it has begun to rival the efficiency of traditional photovoltaic solar cells, which are currently around 20% efficient.
This is the amount of solar energy that translates into electricity, and the higher it is, the more we can meet our energy needs.
Today, more than 80% of photovoltaic products are made of polysilicon, but we need alternative products because of the high cost of production and installation.
Perovskite is a mineral found in the outer layer of the Earth, named after the Russian neurologist Leval pelovsky.
Since 2009, it has attracted the attention of researchers around the world, including researchers from Oxford University and the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL).
Michael Graetzel, director of the EPFL photon and Interface Laboratory, said: "In a very short period of time, perovskite has begun to produce extremely high efficiency and 'perovskite fever is occurring '. ".
"Today, efficiency has peaked at 18%, but it is expected to be more efficient in the future.
Graetzel found out how perovskite works, and he is helping to develop new solar cells, as well as potential ways to increase existing ones: He said: "You can add perovskite on the basis of conventional silicon batteries to make them more effective. ".
"It's not an expensive process that can be an attractive application for mainstream solar panels.
"Due to the fact that this magical material is sensitive to water and high temperatures, stability testing is still required:" It's all being checked now.
I am optimistic that this problem can be solved.
This is an exciting moment.
Perovskite solar cells may be of concern, but finding the most efficient, cost-effective and useful form of solar energy is a diverse battlefield.
Click on the picture above and discover many ways our sun rays are harvested to power our lives.