The modern solar cell is truly a wonder of technology! These small devices capture sunlight and convert it into electricity to power homes, cars, and devices. As small as they are, photovoltaic (PV) cells are made up of many components. Improving solar cells takes years of research and development, testing reconfigurations of different components to make them as efficient as possible. Google and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a tool that speeds up this process by simulating the output of different solar cell configurations.
Work with What Works in PVs
Using computer models for simulations and then making adjustments to improve performance based on simulated results is a well-founded technique used in other industries. Many automobile companies use computer models to adjust the look and configuration of prototypes before they meet the assembly line, and an adjustment of a few millimeters on a race car can first be virtually tested to see if it improves performance. With solar cells, developers can alter the amount and thickness of materials used, their structural arrangements, and other variables to improve performance as much as possible.
An Open Source Option for Solar Research
The best part of this tool is that the researchers offer it as an open-sourced model. Therefore, other companies have direct access to it and can make improvements on the tool, offering the improvements to the rest of the PV community. The nearest goal for the tool is to improve its modeling capabilities to allow for a greater number of variables, making it more useful to researchers.
Would you like to learn more about how photovoltaic cells can benefit your home or business? Contact Solaron at (408) 292-4328 in the Bay Area or (916) 631-9293 in Sacramento. If you prefer, fill out our online form to set up a free solar analysis for your home or office. Go beyond planning for solar and get started installing it!