A recent invention in solar power by Professor Vivian Alberts at the University of Johannesburg, which uses a micro-thin metallic film, has made solar electricity five times less expensive than solar photovoltaic cells.
For the first time, solar electricity is economically feasible and cheaper than coal.
The technology resulted from over 10 years of research, led by Professor Vivian Alberts of the University of Johannesburg. He and his team seem to have developed a flexible, thin, metal alloy that is “photo-responsive.”
This alloy is said to result in panels with are only 5 micron thick — compared to a human hair at 20 micrometers, and silicon photovoltaic cells at 350 micrometers.
Unspecified new storage devices (batteries of some sort) and converters have been created alongside these new cells to store the collected energy. It is suggested these new panels can generate electricity even during winter, not requiring direct sunlight to function.
Seemingly German investors are behind establishing European plants, which will be producing 1,000 such panels per day, with local South African factories also be contemplated.
A revolutionary new, highly efficient solar power technology that will enable homes to obtain all their electricity from the sun.
Read more at: http://www.johanna-solar.com
nolimetangere says:
There’s been masses of hype about prof alberts and his fantastic south african development, but absolutely nothing tangible…initial reports indicated that the product would come to market in 1st quarter 2007…nothing, then it was going to be early 2008…still nothing. When is the world going to be able to enjoy the results of the good professor’s labours (and those of his students and associates)???
10th September 2007 at 6:39 pm