Mankind’s probably been observed with the sun-our nearest
star- since the dawn of our species. But we didn't quite appreciate its utility
as a source of energy until our over dependence on fossil fuels and the prospect
of them running dry all of a sudden started starting us in the face. We
couldn't just hide behind layers of sunscreen any more. Something more needed to
be done.
Albert Einstein first explained the principle of
photoelectric effect in 1905-having to do with converting light into electric
current –getting a Nobel Prize for his troubles. But it wasn’t until 1954 that
the blueprint of an efficient, modern-day photovoltaic cell was conceived in
Bell Laboratories. At the heart of a photovoltaic or solar cell is silicon- the
same substance used in computer chips –which is tasked with breaking down
photons into electrons. It’s not the most efficient way to be honest and it
ain’t cheap. Still, every country in the world is making a beeline towards
solar power plants based on photovoltaic solar panels. Germany has the Largest
installation in the world generating 32.3 gigawatts, while China products about
one-fourth of all photovoltaic products in the world. India’s very own Charanka
Solar Park in Gujarat is currently the second largest solar power plant in the
world.
But the photovoltaic cell is far from perfect. Scientists
and researchers are constantly trying to find ways to boost its efficiency.
Just last month, a team from MIT suggested that if silicon-based photovoltaic
cells are coated with an organic dye called pentacene, it can dramatically
increase power output to over 30 percent. More electricity from the same amount
of sun-light. That has to be good news since these cells play such a crucial
role in clean, renewable fuel in our quest for a greener future.
