As the world grapples with climate change and energy crisis, the solar industry has risen to meet the need of the hour with clean energy. Over the last decade, a significant growth in the use of solar power, in both industrial and domestic set ups, has been observed. This has also given the necessary push to develop better resources and to make them readily available. “The need for clean and renewable energy is higher than ever before, and with the latest developments in the sector of solar energy, we see a new ray of hope,” says the Vice Chairman of GVK, GV Sanjay Reddy.
Recent research and development in the field have successfully managed to create improved technology that comes at a substantially reduced price. GV Sanjay Reddy, the Vice Chairman of GVK notes, “The cost of solar power is now at least 20 to 50 percent cheaper than in the last few years, which has resulted in about 43 per cent increase in its production.”
He adds,
Recent research and development in the field have successfully managed to create improved technology that comes at a substantially reduced price. GV Sanjay Reddy, the Vice Chairman of GVK notes, “The cost of solar power is now at least 20 to 50 per cent cheaper than in the last few years, which has resulted in about 43 per cent increase in its production.”
He adds
“With continued work in this area, we expect at least 15 to 20 per cent price reduction over the coming years, and at this rate, we have every reason to believe that solar will easily become the next main source of energy. Also, if the trend continues, this will replace conventional energy over the coming decade.”
Scientists have been working tirelessly towards empowering the world with this technology, so it can become more accessible. One of the major breakthroughs has come with perovskite, which is thinner, lighter and more transparent than traditional polysilicon, and hence can be layered over existing panels to boost their production. Besides, bi-facial panels have also been gaining some momentum and if they can be implemented more efficiently, it can change the course of the renewable energy sector.
“These panels make use of specialized glass instead of the standard opaque backing material. This, in turn, utilizes the extra light reflected back off the ground, to make additional electricity. Using both faces of a solar panel to simultaneously produce energy can do wonders in tropical countries”
-says GV Sanjay Reddy.
A simple tweak in the current technology has created an N-type, or negatively charged material. Doping polysilicon with an extra electron element such as phosphorous, radically increases its production amounts. GV Sanjay Reddy remarks, “While the pocket pinch is higher with an N-type, a blueprint suggests a 3.5 per cent boost in power and effectiveness it offers.”
He adds,
“The potential of solar power can be taken to the next level by simply increasing the size of the wafers. Regular solar wafers are 156 millimeter or 6.14-inch squares, which is approximately the size of a CD case. Companies are now working on producing bigger wafers of up to 182 or even 210 millimeter squares. Along with that, better cell designs are also in the pipeline, to help boost the production rates.”
Despite the changes made, including reduction in cost and introduction of new techniques, the world has not completely made a transition to solar power. This is because of the challenges that still surround this technology.
“Arguably, it is a one-time expense, but shift costs remain very high. Also, red tape and installation have also proved the biggest challenges. Navigating through the transition and working out of long-term contracts with power companies marks another major effort. Further, space and legal issues act as impediments, but the trends suggest hope of solving these crisis soon,”
-explains GV Sanjay Reddy
There is a growing awareness on the urgent need of clean energy. And with the reduced pricing techniques being developed, it is hoped that the shift to solar power will happen in the near future.
Source: APN Live
