Beyond Zero speaks to Professor Tara P. Dhakal of Binghamton University, State University of New York, about his research developing high efficiency solar cells.

Advances in the manufacture of Solar Cells

Prof Tara Dhakal started off with study of Physics and Material Science, working in Kathmandu, Nepal and Japan and later joined the Uni. of Sth. Florida with the aim of making improved thin film solar. He is at present Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, at the State University of N.Y. and it seems he has always been interested in applied research.

Problems of course with solar is the need to access materials that are abundant, non toxic, reliable and not only cost efficient to manufacture but to install. Approximately 25% of silicon can be converted into electricity and it is fairly expensive to process into wafers.  The Professor discussed the possibility of transparent layers for windows and/or roll-out for roofs.

(Summary written by BZE volunteer Bev McIntyre 29/7/16)

Further reading:

Prof Tara P. Dhakal Interview

[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]