Germanium wafer based solar cells provide high efficiency .However raw germanium costs $680 per pound and further more their fabrication leads to lot of material being wasted since germanium is highly brittle.A new wafer slicing method may provide for means to reduce the wastage of material.The new method for slicing solar cell wafers christened as Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM) – wastes less germanium and produces more wafers by cutting thin wafers with less waste and cracking . As compared to silicon based solar cells , germanium layered solar cells may used in conjunction with solar concentrators, can provide an efficiency of 40% (nealry double).Translated even a small reduction in fabrication costs of germanium based solar cells can lead to a significant value proposition.
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Efficient Solar Power
Srikant Rajan -
Intel Adds to its Solar Capabilities
Srikant RajanIntel Capital has invested € 24 million in Sulfurcell, , a manufacturer of thin film solar modules.This new investment would be used by Sulfurcell to expand its Berlin plants production capacity.Arvind Sodhani, president of Intel Capital and Intel executive vice president says “ Cleantech investments worldwide, including solar power generation, are a key focus for Intel Capital, particularly in the wake of global warming concerns and rising energy costs for businesses and consumers . By investing selectively in innovative technologies, such as those delivered by Sulfurcell, we further the viability of alternative energy options and help increase adoption while reducing carbon emissions “
Intel has been selectively strengthening its solar capability . It had recently put up another couple of millions for a startup – SpectraWatt,however did not reveal the nature of the technology it plans to pursue.This latest foray in the solar segment indicates that it might be thin film solar technology and also signifies that thin film solar may hold the key for adoption of solar panels on a widespread basis.
