Lets start by saying that all solar cells are not created equal. This is not a solar cell as mentioned in a previous article, this is a compound cell. This is much like stacking cells, but it is a lot more complicated. These are the kinds of cells used on satelites. The stacking or layering is the reason for the conversion being so high compared to the standard cells mentioned in the last article about solar efficiency record breaking.

Sharp achieves a new record using a triple-junction compound solar cell. See diagram above. To boost the efficiency of triple-junction compound solar cells, it is important to improve the crystallinity (the regularity of the atomic arrangement) in each photo-absorption layer (the top, middle, and bottom layer). It is also crucial that the solar cell be composed of materials that can maximize the effective use of solar energy.

Sharp has now succeeded in forming an InGaAs layer with high crystallinity by using its proprietary technology for forming layers. As a result, the amount of wasted current has been minimized, and the conversion efficiency, which had been 31.5% in Sharp's previous cells, has been successfully increased to 35.8%.

To look at this in an oversimplified fashion, you could say that they have managed to stack 2 standard cells such that the top one does not block all the light for the next one down, then the bottom electricity conduit layer is also extra efficient material. This sandwich of high tech has pushed each of the three layers to the extreme and uses extra specialized materials in the construction of each layer.

This process is too expensive for any kind of mass production. However, this kind of breakthrough has to come first before cheaper manufacturing can even be researched.

Making use of natural Hot Springs to make electricity is not new. This particular site is new. The sites second well was completed on October 15 and is known as "well NHS-5". U.S. Geothermal initiated the development drilling at Neal Hot Springs located in eastern Oregon.

From the article:-------------------------------------

"Further definition of the Neal Hot Springs geothermal resource is a significant part of our company's growth plan", said Daniel Kunz, President and CEO. "These drilling programs are expected to maintain our current project development schedule and help define a geothermal reservoir needed to construct a power plant that will deliver 22 megawatts of electricity".
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Click the related link for more information, note that it is a PDF file.

The Kiran provides up to 8 hours of bright light on a single day's charge using its highly-efficient LEDs that produce about five times more light than a kerosene lantern.

Find out more at the related link.

This environmentally friendly parking lot at Dells Round Rock Texas headquarters will generate 130,000KWh of green electricity annually. This is great use of a parking lot and is something I have been actively researching for our school district.

An easy do-it-yourself project that should offer an immediate payoff in lower bills is to insulate your water heater. Particularly if your heater is in an unheated part of the house, a fitted water heater blanket can pay for itself quickly. Also insulate at least the first 6-10 feet of hot water supply pipe with pipe insulation, available at any hardware store.

Take matters into your own hands by checking for drafts and sealing them with caulk or putty. Expanding foam sealant can be used to fill larger areas that are protected from moisture and sunlight. Add weather stripping around the edge of doors and seal any cracks or gaps around windows, light fixtures and plumbing.

Leave shades and blinds open on sunny days, but close them at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.

All of these steps add up to savings, comfort and environmental responsibility.