SA solar research eclipses rest of the world
Willem Steenkamp at IOL - 10 years of research have led to a new, more efficient, solar panel, based on a thin film of Copper-Indium-Gallium-Diselenide (CIGS), instead of silicon, the conventional solar cell material. More articles and links here. Useful Google Search. The new solar panels are being mass produced by IFE Solar Systems (German language web site). Watch for the oil companies to buy the patent and shut down production. Or maybe we'll get lucky... [clairefiles]
The unique South African-developed solar panels will make it possible for houses to become completely self-sufficient for energy supplies.
The panels are able to generate enough energy to run stoves, geysers, lights, TVs, fridges, computers - in short all the mod-cons of the modern house.
The new technology should be available in South Africa within a year and through a special converter, energy can be fed directly into the wiring of existing houses. New powerful storage units will allow energy storage to meet demands even in winter. The panels are so efficient they can operate through a Cape Town winter. while direct sunlight is ideal for high-energy generation, other daytime light also generates energy via the panels.