Nano Coating

Scientists have created a new high tech coating to upgrade the efficiency of solar panels. The researchers developed the coating with nanotechnology. A regular silicon solar cell absorbs two thirds of solar energy but the advanced coating boosts it to 96 percent of the energy being captured. Consisting of seven small layers and 50 to 100 nanometers in height it is created by silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide nanorods. The FCC team found that layering if the coatings one on top of another improved the anti-reflective properties of each layer. Having a series of layers also helps to "bend" the flow of sunlight which helps in absorbing light that would otherwise it would be reflected off the panel. Lin ,a professional, is now working on partnership and licensing arrangements and says the coating will be in the market in about 2 to 3 years. The drawbacks to this technology is the nonarods may be delicate. However, they will research more on protecting it. A scientist is attempting to nano engineer surfaces for solar cells by copying the top of moth eyes which contains good anti reflective surfaces. Researchers think that future is very strong in the solar industry.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/11/12/solar.coating/index.html