Scientists from the University of Milano-Bicocca have discovered and created new quantum dot technology that has solved the existing problem of sunlight absorption ineffectiveness, and which could lead to the possibility of solar panel windows.
Quantum dots are nanocrystals which are composed of semiconductor materials. Their utilisation in Solar PV technology has been an interest for developers due to its cost effectiveness and adaptable nature. There has been speculation that they could especially of use in luminescent solar concentrators, which concentrate solar radiation, converting it and directing it to output targets.
Solar Panel Windows
Luminescent solar concentrators are composed of compounds which contain emitters like quantum dots. They have the ability to concentrate light energy from a broad surface into a small solar cell. Scientists have seen opportunities for the technology to be used in the development of solar panel windows, which could heighten the energy efficiency of properties exponentially.
Until this development, quantum dots were considered ineffective in Solar PV technology, because while they are incredibly productive emitters, scientists have not been able to find a solution to the technologies overlap between solar discharge and consumption, leading to the re-consumption of sunlight and low solar power retention.
In order to improve the efficiency of absorption and retention, the scientists created giant quantum dots incorporating a Cadmium Selenide case which consumes and stores light, and a cadmium sulfide center for solar emission. The partition of compounds responsible for discharge and retention vastly reduced the amount of light lost through re-consumption.
The scientists involved have also disclosed, based on their findings, that the technology is versatile enough to utilize multiple forms of quantum dots. Consequently, this invention could become a popular and useful Solar PV material, and lead to solar panel windows.
