HP collaborates with XE on improved solar power
By Susan Wilson
With so many improvements already being shown in solar cell technology, the collaboration between Hewlett Packard (HP) and Xtreme Energetics (XE) to improve photo voltaic efficiency by 100% would appear to be bravado.
Not only do the companies expect to improve the efficiency but they also expect the improved solar cells to be more cost effective than current solar cells. How do they plan on accomplishing this feat?
Well, XE specializes in solar energy systems and HP has transparent transistor technology. XE will be licensing HP’s technology to create what XE calls "Solar with Style".
Hp uses thin film technology in its transistors utilizing zinc and tin which are readily available and inexpensive. XE is prepared to license that technology and use it in its concentration and tracking system. The clear transistors will allow more light to get through thereby increasing the efficiency of the solar panels.
Since the XE system will be transparent, normal tracking issues are avoided. Frequently, tracking systems cut down on solar efficiency by throwing shadows on the solar panels thereby cutting the amount of light that actually makes it to the solar panel.
Also, the new system can be decorated to blend into any surrounding making the new solar system not only low cost and efficient but also more aesthetically pleasing. Because the system is flat and transparent, it can be decorated in such a way as to blend into the surroundings.
This technology is intended for utility companies and commercial building roofs. However, XE is still looking for companies to manufacture the new systems. The XE system is also compatible with photo voltaic and solar thermal technologies such as those proposed by Sungri and eSolar.
XE with HP, and eSolar with Google would make an interesting combination for cost cutting solar energy efficiency. Maybe one day we will see this unlikely combination of HP and Google, not on our desk tops, but our roof tops.
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