African Continental University is a leader in renewable energy strategies and sustainability practices. From renewable fuels to wind power and sustainable design,ACU is pioneering the way in current efforts toward an energy-independent future. Through online and hands-on training in Renewable Energy our students are given exceptional technical skills to launch their care.

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Innovations in NanoScience for Solar Energy Efficiency

Solar Cells have be with us for many decades and many advances have taken place in recent years due to new funding for research and a viable marketplace. While thin-film solar cells, dye-sensitized and organic solar cells have come onto the market (and all have some nano-science component) the most mainstream standard mono and poly-crystalline silicon solar cells are still the dominant technology. These silicon solar cells have not changed very much over the last few decades, but how they collect the light has. Decades ago silicon solar cells achieved only around 10% efficiency, party due to the fact that flat silicon solar cells are very reflective, with over 60% of the light reflecting off the surface, particularly when the light is at an angle. Initial attempts to reduce the reflection came in the form of anti-reflective coatings, similar to those found on eye glasses, binoculars and other optical instruments. These certainly helped but still reflection could be as much as 50% for the wavelengths of value to the solar cell. Recently advances in nano-cones and in anti-reflective films made from nano-particles have advanced the absorption of light by silicon solar cells. Recently, a Russian firm announced a nano-particle based film that had allowed mono-crystalline solar cells to achieve 43% efficiency, a record for any such photovoltaic technology. As solar power becomes more and more important around the world, more technology advances will come about thanks to holistic approaches and a better understanding of materials and technologies we discover.

Prof. David Rivkin, PhD