People seem to constantly be on the lookout for any and all new technologies that can save them money on the increasingly high energy costs of their homes, as well as more environmentally friendly alternatives.
According to EurekAlert.com, a grant of $1.5 million has been awarded to the University of Rochester to help researchers develop some new form of technology that could reduce the cost of electricity from solar panels. This project is just one of 11 solar power programs announced by President Barack Obama aimed at driving innovation towards clean energy by reducing the cost and improving the performance of what’s called solar photo-voltaic power systems
The University of Rochester team will be led by Professor Duncan Moore and Research Engineer Greg Schmidt. Their plan is to use micro-optics to capture and concentrate direct sunlight onto a single photo-voltaic cell with the use of less expensive plastics.
“The most efficient PV cells are very expensive, up to $50,000 per square meter,” Moore explained. “If we could concentrate the sunlight 500 times, we’d need fewer of these cells as the solar concentrator would cover the bulk of the area. This would mean the cost would be $100 per square meter.”
One of the biggest advantages expected to come out of this project is its use on windows. The planar light guide to be used is translucent so that any light not being utilized by a photo-voltaic cell will be able to shine through like any other window. The windows will work just as they always have but will be collecting energy all the time.
Windows are a popular concern for energy consumption due to the easy replacement of older windows for newer, more efficient models. The top three most desired types of windows currently on the market are related to energy efficiency, with two-thirds of buyers looking for Energy Star-rated windows, triple plane insulating glass, and low-e insulating glass.
Rochester seems to be working tirelessly to improve their energy efficient practices with four wineries from the Finger Lakes turning towards solar power as well. These include Hunt Country Vineyards near Branchport, Yates County; Wagner Vineyards in Lodi, Seneca County; Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars in Hammondsport, Steuben County; and O-Neh-Da and Eagle Crest Vineyards in Conesus, Livingston County.
Even though some wineries in the area have long been utilizing solar power to reduce energy consumption, the new plans are meant to ensure that all four wineries set for improvement will receive 50 to 100% of their electricity needs from solar energy.
“Our family has made our living for five generations by harvesting the sun’s energy to ripen our grapes,” said John Wagner, co-owner of Wagner Vineyards. “Our installation of a large-scale solar array at Wagner Vineyards is a logical step for us to take as we continue to enhance our farm winery’s sustainability.”
With so many industries searching for the most efficient alternative practices and technologies, the products being developed will likely become increasingly efficient.
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