A Smaller, Lighter Solar Panel
from Arizona Science
A UA biochemist is looking at the next development in solar power by giving it an organic twist.
Embed this episode
What this episode covers
Professor Scott Saavedra says it's possible to use solar power without relying on large silicon-based panels. So, he is leading a team trying to find out how to make lightweight, low cost devices that can capture solar energy and generate power for field use. Saavedra's group is trying to replace the silicon components found in rooftop solar panels with lower-cost organic plastics developed through molecular engineering. Researchers are testing plastic solar cells on thin film to evaluate the cells' efficiency and ability to endure difficult operating environments. Scott Saavedra spoke with Leslie Tolbert, PhD, Regents Professor Emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.
No transcript yet.