Magnolia Solar, CNSE and RPI to develop next gen solar cells

Magnolia Solar is working with the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) to develop high-efficiency, nanostructure-based thin film solar cells for use in a variety of renewable energy formats. 

"Magnolia Solar is working to develop next generation nanostructure-based thin film solar cells in an effort to achieve significant improvements in operating efficiencies and exploring innovative light trapping techniques that can significantly enhance a solar cell's operating performance," Dr. Ashok Sood, president and CEO of Magnolia Solar, said in a statement. "We are very encouraged by the recent news that California's governor, Jerry Brown, signed legislation this week making the use of renewable energy in California one of his top priorities."

Dr. Sood continued, "During the 2010 fiscal year, Magnolia Solar has been funded on renewable energy programs by the United States Air Force and the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA). So we clearly recognize the importance of a national, renewable energy plan and support various government agencies in that endeavor."

The company is working to incorporate multiple approaches in its technology to increase the efficiency of conversion from solar energy to electrical energy. The company has several patents for nanotechnology and quantum structures to enhance solar cell efficiency, and combine these approaches with anti-reflection and light trapping techniques in a unique solar cell design that has the potential to lead to a very low cost per watt.

These technologies allow utilities and their customers a cost-effective way to supplement power generation during the day, when energy demand is at its highest. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology provides an effective way to meet peak demand requirements for electricity. The alternative is to build additional conventional power plants which is very capital intensive and has potential environmental risks. Solar PV is a truly modular technology. It can be cost effective anywhere from small scale two to five kilowatt projects to large several megawatt projects.

Utilities can partner with solar technology companies by co-financing installations to help support integration of these small- and large-scale projects into the electrical grid. Acceptance and adoption of solar energy will increase over the next decade and beyond, not only to meet California's mandate but also to meet those in New York and other states, as well as in such countries as China and India. The real challenge is how to meet increasing demands for energy to maintain global economic growth without increasing environmental risks.

For more:

- see this release

- see this article