Picture this! A solar panel that harvests light from both sides due to an incredible partnership set to reimagine the photovoltaic (PV) landscape. The quantum dot (QD) innovator, UbiQD, and First Solar have joined hands to improve their solar efficiency. Thanks to nanotechnology, a dual-sided solar panel is somewhat of a reflection symphony, gaining sunlight from both sides.
Understanding quantum dot technology
Such a dual-sided solar invention is made possible solely due to quantum dot technology. This semiconductor, about a few nanometers wide, can capture sunlight and allows light to re-enter thereafter. Due to quantum dots, the less useful lights get transformed into wavelengths that can be further absorbed by solar cells.
Initially from the Los Alamos National Laboratory, UbiQD’s cadmium-free quantum dot technology is based on Earth-abundant materials such as copper, zinc, and sulfur that can be included in solar power capturing. The good news is that quantum dots can react directly with any incoming light prior to reaching the PV cell. UbiQD’s technology can double the bifacial quantum efficiency at set wavelengths.
According to the UbiQD CEO, Hunter McDaniel, this dual-sided solar offering signifies an exciting twist for the quantum dot industry. The cost-effectiveness of the whole deal is equally attractive.
Harnessing power from both sides
It is First Solar’s thinner panels made of cadmium telluride (CdTe) and not silicon that were also known to be single-sided. The latest series 6 modules now feature bifacial designs and can thus harness electricity from the front and back. In this way, the solar panel harnesses direct sunlight along with reflected light.
Most traditional panels hardly have rear sides that contribute to the total energy output. By incorporating quantum dots, light that would normally be lost is harnessed as well. With cost effectiveness, the scalability factor remains equally attractive.
Performance meets scalability
The newest solar technology improvement does not only mean better performance but also spells potential for scalability as well. With $20 million in Series B funding from Phoenix Venture Partners, UbiQD is set to create the largest QD production facilities in New Mexico. Once the facility is ready, 100 metric tons of quantum dots will be produced yearly.
Overall, QD technology needs to be embedded into millions of solar modules. Although the QD industry remains the core focus in display technology, this would be the very first large-scale deployment of quantum dots when it comes to energy-generating infrastructure.
UbiQD technology has already found its footing in greenhouse endeavors, assisting plants in growing. Incorporating such technology in the solar sector is key, especially in terms of improving light utilization and improving global impact.
While Next2Sun introduced the first bifacial photovoltaic (PV) solar fence, this partnership between UbiQD and First Solar is yet another step forward in futuristic renewable energy generation.
A forward-thinking vision for a solar future
Solar modules including QDs will be the first to exceed the 30% efficiency, ensuring longer-term durability of up to 30 years. The task now is for engineers to gain third-party validation for such modules due to their degrading behavior during real-world conditions.
Should higher efficiency be an option, as well as scalability, the symphony of nanoscience, renewable energy, and light altogether could mean a better future for solar power as a whole.
While in the new era in photovoltaics, quantum dots were said to destroy solar panels, quantum dots are now proving to be beneficial for the future of solar. Yes, quantum dots have the capability of revolutionizing solar panel manufacturing by ensuring enhanced performance as well as durability. QDs have the potential to optimize perovskite solar cells as well. Perhaps UbiQD and First Solar captured the right vision for the solar future.
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