When it comes to energy, it’s easy to be a sun worshipper. Solar power converts the sun’s abundant rays into quiet, emission-free energy. Those are compelling qualities in a world of booming energy demand, anxiety over fossil fuel supplies and environmental concerns.
Shell has pioneered CIS (copper indium diselenide), a new generation of solar technology. Copper, indium and selenium particles are coated onto a glass sheet in layers 20 times thinner than a human hair, and are heated to form a compound that converts the power of the sun into electricity for consumers.
CIS solar modules use 100 times less raw material in the electricity-producing layer than their crystalline silicon counterparts. Lower material and manufacturing costs mean the CIS modules promise to be cheaper in high-volume production. They have a smooth black exterior, which makes them particularly suitable for integration into walls and roofs of buildings.
The biggest European application to date is in Wales, a striking 85-kilowatt installation that forms an entire side of an innovation and business centre. Shell and leading glass-maker Saint Gobain have formed a joint venture for largescale production and commercialisation of CIS solar technology.
But solar is still too expensive to be a viable widespread electricity source. So Shell’s research focuses on one major goal: driving down cost.
Shell has pioneered CIS (copper indium diselenide), a new generation of solar technology. Copper, indium and selenium particles are coated onto a glass sheet in layers 20 times thinner than a human hair, and are heated to form a compound that converts the power of the sun into electricity for consumers.
CIS solar modules use 100 times less raw material in the electricity-producing layer than their crystalline silicon counterparts. Lower material and manufacturing costs mean the CIS modules promise to be cheaper in high-volume production. They have a smooth black exterior, which makes them particularly suitable for integration into walls and roofs of buildings.
The biggest European application to date is in Wales, a striking 85-kilowatt installation that forms an entire side of an innovation and business centre. Shell and leading glass-maker Saint Gobain have formed a joint venture for largescale production and commercialisation of CIS solar technology.
Source: shell.com
