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The end of solar panels? Scientists create a super compact solar cell made of a rare mineral that can charge everything from cell phones to electric cars

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published 08/10/2024 às 06:41
Scientists create a compact super solar cell, made of perovskite, that can replace solar panels and charge everything from cell phones to electric cars.
Scientists create a compact super solar cell, made of perovskite, that can replace solar panels and charge everything from cell phones to electric cars.

A super solar cell created in Oxford uses a rare mineral and could revolutionize energy generation. With greater efficiency than traditional solar panels, this technology promises to transform everything from cell phone chargers to electric car power.

Get ready for the future of solar energy. A recent discovery made by scientists at the renowned University of Oxford, challenges the technology of painéis solares as we know it.

Imagine a material so small it fits in the palm of your hand, but with the ability to generate energy so efficiently that it could power everything from cell phones to electric vehicles.

This innovation uses perovskite, a rare mineral, and has already been called a “super solar cell.” But will this new technology really threaten the existence of traditional solar panels?

An ultra-thin and powerful innovation

As revealed by the Oxford team, the super solar cell is composed of an extremely thin and flexible structure, developed from calcium and titanium oxides.

Unlike solar panels that take up large areas to capture sunlight, the supercell can be applied to surfaces of all sizes and shapes, making it extremely versatile.

This cell captures light more effectively and converts it into electrical energy with surprising efficiency.

More compact and efficient than solar panels

The researchers highlight that the super solar cell has the potential to replace, at least partially, traditional photovoltaic systems.

Imagine a world where your phone case doubles as a charger, or where an electric car gets power directly from its own solar roof..

The technology has already achieved 27% energy conversion efficiency, an impressive number that surpasses many traditional solar panels.

According to scientists, with further improvements, efficiency could reach 45%, twice what is possible with conventional technologies.

Challenges for commercialization

Despite the enormous potential, there are still challenges to making this innovation accessible to the general public.

The super solar cell is in the laboratory testing stage, and researchers project that it will still be a few years before the product reaches the market.

Commercial viability will depend on substantial investment and government incentives to reduce production costs and expand manufacturing scale.

As reported by the University of Oxford, companies in the energy sector will need to get involved and invest in this technology for it to become popular.

How does the super solar cell work?

The supercell uses a process known as “stacking,” which allows several layers of absorbent material to be combined, increasing light capture.

Unlike solar panels, which require physical space, the supercell can be integrated into everyday objects, transforming any surface into a source of energy.

The mineral perovskite, known for its photovoltaic properties, is the essential component of this technology. In addition to being compact, it offers flexibility and adaptability to different uses.

The future of solar energy: innovation in sight?

According to the report itself, Oxford University, perovskite not only promises to be a breakthrough solution, but could also change the global energy market.

Transitioning to this technology could lead to reduced reliance on electric batteries and the creation of charging solutions that are more integrated into everyday life.

Market and environmental perspectives

If the supercell proves viable for large-scale production, it could represent a leap forward in energy sustainability.

With higher conversion efficiency and less space requirements, the environmental impact of conventional solar panels can be minimized, making cities “smarter” and adapted to the use of solar energy on practically any surface.

Do you believe in the end of solar panels?

Although the super solar cell is not yet ready to completely replace traditional technology, the idea is already provoking and raising debates. What do you think? Is the era of photovoltaic solar panels really numbered? Leave your opinion in the comments!

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Alisson Ficher

Journalist graduated in 2017 and working in the field since 2015, with six years of experience in print magazines, stints on broadcast TV channels and over 12 online publications. Specialist in politics, jobs, economics, courses, among other topics. Professional registration: 0087134/SP. If you have any questions, want to report an error or suggest a topic on the topics covered on the site, please contact us by email: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. We do not accept resumes!

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