Using algae for better solar energy performance

In Sweden, LIFE SUNALGAE has inaugurated a pilot facility to mass produce a revolutionary material that improves solar panel efficiency. Solar energy uptake in Europe is expensive and inefficient, and its uptake has relied chiefly on government regulations and incentive programmes. A solution to boost demand is needed. The LIFE SUNALGAE team is demonstrating a new and innovative algae material that can enhance the efficiency of silicon-based and thin-film solar panels.  Project coordinator Swedish Algae Factory makes the material, called ‘algica’, by cultivating diatoms – single-celled photosynthesising algae – and extracting the silica shells for use in different applications. The shells have unique light-manipulating properties that can potentially boost silicon solar panel efficiency by at least 4% and dye-sensitised solar cells by up to 36%. They should also reduce…

Read more…