PROVIDENCE,
R.I., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Solaris Nanosciences
has demonstrated a completely rechargeable dye sensitized
solar cell (DSSC or Graetzel Cell) creating the lowest
manufacturing cost, long-life photovoltaic system
in the world. DSSCs which are based on low cost materials
and simple construction, have to date suffered from
limited operating lifetimes due to the degradation
of the sensitizer dyes.
Solaris' nontoxic chemical process allows the degraded
dye in already installed DSSCs to be removed and
replaced with new dye, restoring the performance
of the original solar cell. "This low cost process,
which can be performed by the existing base of heating
and air conditioning businesses, requires less than
thirty minutes and takes the operating life of these
photovoltaics (PV) beyond that of silicon to over
30 years," said Nabil M. Lawandy, CEO of Solaris
Nanosciences. Lawandy also stated, "Not only can
we replace the original dye, but we have shown that
newer, more efficient dyes, resulting from ongoing
efforts worldwide, can be used in recharging. This
effectively allows for efficiency upgrades over the
life of the installed system."
The recharging process and its performance were independently confirmed at
the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne where DSSCs were invented
by Professor Michael Graetzel. "Our evaluation has shown without any doubt
that the cell performance after three coloration cycles remained intact and
could even be pushed beyond the initial cell output..." said Professor Graetzel,
whose group performed the study. Professor Graetzel also said "The procedure
developed by Solaris Nanosciences is the first to accomplish a rapid and complete
replenishment of the sensitizer and electrolyte. This has important implications
for the long-life applications of the dye sensitized solar cells. This solution
provides an elegant way to maintain for a very long time the conductive glass
shell structure of the cell serving as current collector. This is the part
of the DSSC that is most expensive and has the largest energy content. Thus,
the new Solaris Nanosciences process saves costs and energy, avoiding the waste
of materials and the recycling problem that other competing PV technologies
must face."
"Professor Graetzel's confirmation of our process is an important validation,
both for the Company and the entire PV community. Solaris has effectively created
the solar cell analogue of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery developed by
Sony, forever transforming that industry," said Lawandy.
Solaris plans to develop a large scale prototype of its rechargeable solar
cell for testing at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and with
corporate partners to explore the distribution of this new PV technology through
the building and construction industry.
SOLARIS NANOSCIENCES
Solaris is pursuing the commercialization of its rechargeable solar cells
as well as engineered nano-antenna materials to provide unique benefits to
several large industry sectors. Solaris Nanosciences is applying its nanotechnology
processes and materials patent portfolio to become a leading manufacturer and
licensor of nano-materials and technology for photovoltaics and other applications.
In addition to the primary focus on photovoltaics, the company is developing
additional products for displays and vision enhancement through corporate and
institutional partnerships. For additional information on Solaris Nanosciences
and its technologies, visit http://www.solarisnano.com/.
Solaris Nanosciences
CONTACT: Nabil M. Lawandy, President & CEO, nlawandy@solarisnano.com,+1-401-351-6300
Web site: http://www.solarisnano.com/
Source: PRNewswire
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