Important Innovations

Breakthrough in Solar Cell Technology Source:  Fraunhofer - New Solar Cell German-French Scientific Collaboration Results in Ultra Slim, More Efficient Solar Cell Scientists at Germany's Fraunhofer ISE and the French Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology have invented a slim solar cell that has an efficiency potential of 25% in the short term.  It's a breakthrough and their results have just been published in Nature Energy.  For a great news blog, go to Important Innovations Collection: Super Slim, Efficient Solar Cells : New Innovation from German-French Collaboration Source:  Fraunhofer Efficiency Potential 25% Scientists at Germany's Fraunhofer ...

Textile Based Solar Cells Source:  Fraunhofer Institute Innovation from Germany with Many Applications German scientists have invented flexible, textile based rolls of solar cells that are integrated into a glass fiber fabric.  They say that tarps on semi-tractor-trailers  with these new solar cells embedded in them could harvest enough electricity to power cooling systems and other onboard equipment.  It's the invention of scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems in Dresden, Germany. Building Facades The potential uses of these new solar cell rolls are fascinating.  The scientists say building facades could be covered with the photovoltaic textile to generate power.  They envision blinds that provide shade in buildings could also be covered with the solar cells to provide yet another source of clean energy. Commercialization Within Five Years The scientists say there are a number of processes to enable solar cells to be incorporated