Microwave to Produce Low Cost Solar Energy

The new findings were carried out in the Physica Status Solidi A, a professional Journal claims that the microwave oven that many of us to heat food, has a major role to play in the solar energy industry. The microwave heating can be used in synthesis of a solar cell compound that is less costly and toxic than other solar energy alternatives available. This new study was presented by the engineers from the Oregon State University.

"All of the elements used in this new compound are benign and inexpensive, and should have good solar cell performance," said Greg Herman, an associate professor in the School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering at OSU.

"Several companies are already moving in this direction as prices continue to rise for some alternative compounds that contain more expensive elements like indium," he said. "With some improvements in its solar efficiency this new compound should become very commercially attractive."

This innovative technique offers a low cost and increases the manufacturing of solar cells. They also plan on creating them as ink composed of nanoparticles.

According to the journal, "We have succeeded in using microwave heating, instead of conventional heating, to reduce reaction times to minutes or seconds, and allow for great control over the production process. This "one-pot" synthesis is fast, cheap and uses less energy."

Herman concluded saying, "This approach should save money, work well and be easier to scale up at commercial levels, compared to traditional synthetic methods. Microwave technology offers more precise control over heat and energy to achieve the desired reactions."