Solar cells are getting more common in the Netherlands, 279.347 locations generated solar energy last June. One important solar pioneer can be added to that: Red One! Solar cells on houses and the cells of the solar car are the same type: silicon solar cells. Most solar cells that are used on houses have an efficiency of 17%, the efficiency of Red One solar cells is 24%.
Quality and price
The quality of solar cells depends on how the silicon is processed. There are three types: monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon and amorphous silicon solar cells. Monocrystalline silicon solar cells are made of one crystal with a smooth structure, which is beneficial to the efficiency. Polycrystalline silicon solar cells consist of multiple small crystals. The price of purchase is cheaper, however, the efficiency is lower than monocrystalline silicon solar cells. Amorphous silicion solar cells have the lowest price of purchase but the efficiency is also lower.
Laminate of solar cells
Solar cells on houses are already laminated, additionally, the surface is hardened to cope with different weather types. The solar cells of Red One are laminated after the solar cells were purchased. The shape of the solar car is round, ‘normal’ solar panels wouldn’t fit to the shape. Lastly, the laminate of our solar cells are softer than the solar cells of houses, which is positive for the efficiency.
Pioneer in technology
The solar cells of Red One are produced in a small batch, according to the newest technical insights. Development and research of ‘our’ solar cells will continue, until more commercial manufacturing is possible. Commercial manufacturing will make ‘our’ type of solar cells more affordable for households. Solar Team Twente feels privileged to be a pioneer in solar energy technology. We are ready to take the first place in Australia with these solar cells!
Updates Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2015
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