Is a solar iPhone in the future?

Solar cell phones have been gradually hitting the market over the past year.  But the most popular phone, Apple’s iPhone may soon take solar cell phones mainstream.

Many have been wondering, is a solar iPhone in the works, after discovering that Apple won a patent related to use of solar power in mobile devices.

Although Apple is not the first company to consider solar powering its devices, its influence in the market will arguably be the most effective in getting consumers to seriously think about portable solar power.  Why?  Because many people consider Apple to be the technological leader in the industry.  Incorporation of solar power could have a broad-based ripple effect across other competitors, as well.

Apple’s new patent is related to an earlier solar-related patent it won in 2011.  The filing for the new patent explains:

“The voltage converter is configured to monitor or detect an amount of power drawn by the electronic load at the output of the voltage converter.”  The controller responds and controls the converter, conditioning the power used by the device. “As a result, the output voltage from the solar power source is maintained within a predetermined range.”

The question is when and if a solar iPhone will be released anytime soon.  Experts are predicting that the iPhone 5 will be launched in October 2011.  But will it include solar panels for recharging ease?  And, if so, will Apple develop its own solar cells for incorporation, or rely on a third-party solar cell company.

Use of solar power to recharge electronic devices like cell phones is a smart, inexpensive way for people to stay in touch when they are away from electrical outlets and generally on the go (think students, recreational enthusiasts and more).  If a solar iPhone is in the works, Apple may just be timing its solar cell phone so that it will be remembered as the pioneer of this influential technology.

HyperSolar's solar concentrator improves solar cell efficiency

HyperSolar, based in Santa Barbara, California has developed a patent-pending solar technology to effectively improve solar cell efficiency.  Ordinarily, efficient solar cells convert only 15% of the energy from sunlight into electricity.  With HyperSolar’s technology, photonics (guiding light) acts like a magnifying glass, concentrating sunlight onto solar cells.

The company is developing a thin, flat solar concentrator that would be placed on top of existing solar cells.  Not only will the solar concentrator enable solar panels to generate significantly more energy, but its inexpensive to create and install.  The solar technology allows fewer solar cells within a single solar panel, which means less silicon is required, further dropping the cost of solar electricity.

Breakthrough solar technology from HyperSolar

HyperSolar’s solar concentrator uses four innovations:

• Micro-concentrators — A matrix of small, highly efficient solar concentrators  collect sunlight from a wide range of angles, eliminating the need for tracking mechanisms
• Photonics light routing — A solid-state photonics network underneath the micro-concentrators transports light from collection points at the top to the concentrated output points at the bottom
• Photonics light separation — The photonics network separates collected sunlight into different spectrum ranges, which can be routed to different types of solar cells
• Photonics thermal management — The heat from unused portions of the solar spectrum is filtered out, thus avoiding overheating, which can degrade solar cell  performance

HyperSolar plans on entering into a partnership with a PV solar panel manufacturer that will use the solar concentrator to improve solar cell efficiency and reduce costs of solar power.  The potential for this product is huge.  With solar power demand on the rise, consumers are continuing to look for cleaner, cheaper, reliable means of generating electricity.

MIT researchers are looking into new solar panel technology

Over the past 3 years, the price of solar panels has dropped dramatically – in some cases by 2/3 of the original cost.  Yet, with use of new technology, could solar panels be even more affordable?

Researchers are studying the potential replacement of expensive silicon used in PV panels with a new, less expensive form of carbon in organic solar photovoltaic (OPV) cells.  The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is experimenting with use of graphene, which is also known as graphite, in solar cells.

The mineral – more commonly used as lead in pencils – can form one-atom-thick sheets of honeycomb crystal lattice material with excellent conductive properties.  Graphene could be ideal for creating affordable solar panels for the following reasons: (1) its 100 times stronger than steel; (2) performs better than any other material as a heat conductor; (3) its thin nature makes it extremely flexible and transparent, which is ideal for thin film solar applications including building integrated photovoltaic applications such as solar roof shingles.

The biggest drawback of using graphene in solar cells is that, since the material repels moisture, it does not adhere well to other components of solar panels.  MIT researchers developed a way to introduce impurities to the graphene to encourage better bonding which, as a result, improved its electrical conductivity.

Add this new research into the column of “wins” for MIT in the area of solar technology.  Last year, news of its paper solar cells caused quite a stir.  Over time, we’ll see more affordable, and more efficient solar panels with the work of researchers like those at MIT.

SoloPower will be manufacturing thin film solar cells in Wilsonville, Oregon

The state of Oregon, on the West Coast of the United States, will soon be the home of another new solar cell manufacturing plant.  Last week, SoloPower announced that it will manufacture its flexible thin film solar cells at a new facility in Wilsonville, just 20 minutes south of Portland.  Certainly this news will add to Oregon’s leadership in the field of solar energy!

A number of green solar jobs will be created as a result of SoloPower’s plant in Oregon.  Initially, 170 new employment positions will be created during the construction of a 75 megawatt (MW) manufacturing line.  Eventually, the plant will have a 300 MW capacity and employ about 500 workers.

Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, commented about the new solar cell manufacturing plant and associated green jobs:

“SoloPower is bringing exactly the kind of new jobs Oregon needs. By bringing their manufacturing headquarters to Wilsonville, we are continuing on the path toward establishing a stronger clean technology manufacturing base in Oregon.”

SolarPower is a California-based company.  So why is it building a state-of-the-art production facility for its solar modules in Oregon?

Two words: tax incentives.  The Small Scale Energy Loan Program (SELP) Advisory Committee recommended approval to the Oregon Department of Energy for a $20 million loan to SoloPower.  In addition, SoloPower is seeking a Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC) of $20 million from the State of Oregon.  SoloPower CEO Tim Harris commented:

“Over the past year, SoloPower has considered several alternative sites. Oregon is an exceptional location for our long-term growth.  SoloPower greatly appreciates the partnerships it has formed with the State of Oregon, the Oregon Department of Energy, Clackamas County and the City of Wilsonville.  Oregon’s business friendly environment, excellent support programs, and highly skilled work force made locating our new manufacturing facility in Oregon an easy decision.”

The benefits of the Wilsonville location go both ways.  SoloPower will enjoy tax advantages and government incentives, and Oregon boosts its national reputation as the home of the top solar manufacturing cluster, while locals enjoy the creation of green jobs in Oregon.

Cutting PV panel costs by 26%

Breakthrough solar research and development from Silicon Solar Solutions, an Arkansas-based research firm will be featured at the prestigious Cleantech Open business competition.  Solar technology developed by Silicon Solar Solutions eliminates processing steps and materials needed to create photovoltaic solar cells.  As a result, the new technology could reduce PV panel costs by 42 cents per watt.

Having been selected as a finalist for its breakthrough solar research and development, Silicon Solar Solutions will compete for the grand prize at the Cleantech Open National Awards Gala and Expo, scheduled for today (November 17, 2010) in San Jose, California.  The 2010 Cleantech Open competition offers more than $1 million in prizes for competitors.  In addition, the event seeks to create 100,000 green-collar jobs in America by 2015 with its “100K Jobs Challenge.”

This year, 22 states are participating in the Cleantech Open program.  In 2011, 30 states are expected to enter.

Here’s a clip from the 2009 Cleantech Open:

Criteria used in judging the Cleantech Open submissions includes investment potential.

Both the private and public sector have praised the breakthrough solar research of Silicon Solar Solutions.  In fact, it recently won the Grand Prize in the Energy Track at the 2010 Oakridge National Labs Venture Challenge.

Douglas Hutchings, CEO of Silicon Solar Solutions, looks forward to the CleanTech Open awards tonight:

“Being selected as a Cleantech Open finalist is a tremendous honor. Beyond the monetary aspect of the award, we value the coveted opportunity to present our venture to a large group of industry experts and motivated funding sources. Our team is really excited about participating in the Awards Gala and having the chance to emerge as the National winner.”

Stay tuned!

Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard (image from Logitech)

Looking for solar powered gadgets this holiday season?  New from Logitech is a solar powered computer keyboard, developed with tiny solar panels.  You can charge up your PC keyboard simply by placing it near a window to absorb solar energy.  In fact, the solar powered computer keyboard can be used indoors or outdoors.  Its slim and light – very portable!

3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film Manufacturing

Last week, technology company 3M  announced the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Columbia, Missouri, for its 3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film. As a key component supplier to the thin film solar industry, the expansion will support the growing demand for high efficiency flexible PV modules.

Derek DeScioli, Business Manager for the 3M Renewable Energy Division, commented on the announcement:

“3M once again demonstrates the value it brings to the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector by bringing our high-performance Ultra Barrier Solar Film to commercial-scale production.  3M is a recognized leader in ultra barrier film technology, and we are committed to accelerating our efforts to support the scale-up of our thin film manufacturing customers.”

3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film has been designed to be a glass replacement in thin film solar panels.  Solar module manufacturers can use the solar film instead of glass for additional flexibility, and lower weight panels that can be installed in less time with high light transmission, superb moisture barrier performance, and excellent weatherability.  In addition, PV panels manufactured with 3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film do not need metal racking, which reduces logistics expenditures.  With 3M Ultra Barrier Film, manufacturers can commercialize large area modules, effectively reducing fixed costs associated with module manufacturing, assembled in a continuous roll-to-roll process.

3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film is the result of more than a decade of development in transparent barrier technology, as well as over 45 U.S. patents and patent-pending applications covering construction, materials and processes.  The company  plans to begin high-volume production of the Ultra Barrier Film to supply 3M’s global thin film solar customer base, including manufacturers throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.

Solar power from Jellyfish?

When you think of jellyfish, what comes to mind?  Renewable energy?  Probably not, but researchers have discovered a way to get solar power from jellyfish.

Jellyfish are some of the Earth’s most ancient organisms – even older than sharks.  Floating through the oceans without any internal organs, the creatures can reach sizes of more than 7 feet in diameter, with tentacles extending 120 feet into the depths below.  What use could these gelatinous bodies have for us?

Glad you asked!

A group of scientists from Sweden have discovered that jellyfish create a substance that can be used to increase the efficiency of solar cells.  More efficient solar cells mean a lower cost for solar panels, which could bring the renewable resource to more people worldwide.

Proteins in jellyfish bodies can increase solar panel efficiency

The bodies of jellyfish include a bioluminescent protein that includes a key ingredient, green fluorescent protein (GFP) which has the amazing ability to generate power.  In fact, a single drop of GFP placed on aluminum electrodes and then exposed to ultraviolet light (sunlight is comprised of UV rays) can produce measurable electrical current.

According to a related article:

Called biophotovoltaic nanodevices by their creator, these light-powered cells could replace Grätzel cells, which duplicate plant photosynthesis via chemicals like titanium dioxide, iodine and sensitizer dyes to produce a photoelectrochemical form of energy.

Like algae, GFP can be a useful, natural substance to help boost the conversion rate of solar cells.  Lest you worry about the harvesting of innocent jellyfish, researchers are developing artificial GFP in the laboratory.

No jellyfish were harmed in the writing of this article!

Greater PV solar efficiency could save money and energy

Most photovoltaic solar cells can only hope to achieve about 15-20% efficiency.  Much of the solar energy that strikes the cells is either reflected away or lost as heat energy.  But solar collectors at Kalahari Greentech have achieved 74% efficiency.

The energy company that specializes in solar technology and wind energy research had its solar cells go through testing by The Georgia Institute of Technology‘s Engineering Experiment Station.  Researchers at Georgia Tech conducted a 4-hour study using National Bureau of Standards procedures.

The difference between the Kalahari Greentech solar collectors and standard commercial PV cells is that Kahalari’s collector can use all wavelengths of light in the conversion process.  Other solar cells only convert certain ranges of light into solar electricity, which results in lower efficiency.  According to one report, the Kalahari Greentech cells were at least 300 times more efficient than other PV cells!

Boosting solar cell efficiency

Greater solar efficiency means that a small solar panel system can be installed.  Cost-savings can also be achieved!

Pokeberries used to increase solar cell efficiency

Demonstrating the creative genius that is often present in solar technology, researchers have discovered a way to pull solar power from pokeberries (also known as pokeweed).  More precisely, a red dye that comes from the berries can be used to coat fiber-based solar cells.  The dye absorbs and traps sunlight, allowing for a greater conversion into solar power.

Wake Forest University’s Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials believes that the new discovery could help increase solar power usage worldwide.  The ubiquitous weed grows easily, even in dry, rocky soil.  The juice from pokeberries is so vibrant that its been used to create designs on skin and even as ink for letter-writing.

Solar dye has gotten the attention of renewable energy researchers lately.  But what makes the new pokeberry discovery particularly exciting is the fact that the plant grows so easily and is inexpensive.

Quite simply, the plant is a weed.  It grows everywhere in the world!  The Center’s director, David Carroll, Ph.D. notes that residents of rural Africa could raise the plants at a very minimal cost.  Dye absorber could be made for the fiber cells and solar electricity will be generated for those regions that are not reached by power lines.

Dye sensitized solar cell

Fiber-based solar cells are extremely efficient, with the ability to generate twice as much power than “traditional” solar cells. Generally, plastic fibers are stamped onto plastic sheets, using the same technology as that for attaching tops of soft-drink cans.  After that, an absorber (here, dye from the pokeberries) is sprayed on the cells.  The solar technology results in lightweight, flexible applications that can be shipped anywhere in the world at a low cost.

Once solar cells are shipped to their destination, they can then be sprayed with pokeberry dye before installation.  Dr. Carroll estimates that the overall cost for such a plant would be only about $5 million…. $15 million less than it would cost for a similar plant for flat cells.

The exciting possibilities of solar power from pokeberries are evident.  Carroll enthuses:

“We could provide the substrate.  If Africa grows the pokeberries, they could take it home.  It’s a low-cost solar cell that can be made to work with local, low-cost agricultural crops like pokeberries and with a means of production that emerging economies can afford.”

Wake Forest University holds the first patent for fiber-based PV cells, granted by the European Patent Office.