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A Replacement for Silicon to Produce Low-Cost Solar Devices

The increasing depletion of nonrenewable energy supplies is one of the population’s biggest concerns. The most effective energy resources available today, if cost-effective, such as coal, are mainly non-renewable, and if renewable, they are pricey. The rate of use of available energy resources and the pace of resource depletion are directly proportional. One solution to this alarming issue is the use of solar devices that work by taking energy from the sun. The only issue is that not everyone can afford them. Hence, this UCLA article analyzes whether halide perovskite may efficiently replace silicon in the manufacture of low-cost solar devices. Despite all of the attempts to shift the nation’s energy supply to renewable sources, solar power still accounts for less than 3% of electricity generated in the United States, according to the article.

Low-cost solar devices

The article suggests that the fundamental cause of the problem is the comparatively high cost of producing solar cells. According to the article, one method to reduce production costs is to produce solar cells that employ less expensive materials than today’s silicon-based ones in order to further manufacture low-cost solar devices. As a result, some engineers have focused on halide perovskite, a man-made substance with repeating crystals formed like cubes. In principle, perovskite-based solar cells might be created with less expensive and more commonly available raw ingredients than silicon. However, the article emphasizes that perovskite degrades when exposed to light and heat, which is especially troublesome for solar-powered gadgets. However, an international research team led by UCLA has devised a method to employ perovskite in solar cells while safeguarding it against deterioration-causing circumstances. The researchers investigated directly introducing modest amounts of neodymium ions to perovskite. This resulted in enhanced perovskite being substantially more robust when exposed to light and heat, as well as more effectively converting light to electricity. According to the article, the advancement might enable perovskite solar cells to reach the market within the next two to three years. As a result, the article concludes that whereas basic halide perovskite cannot sustain high temperatures, adding small quantities of neodymium ions transforms it into an efficient substitute for silicon-based solar cells. This will greatly aid in the production of low-cost solar devices.

Solar devices not only serve to solve the problem of current renewable energy resources, but they also help to protect the environment. The preceding text explains how we may produce low-cost solar devices.

Technology affects our world in many ways. To dive deeper into technology’s role in the business world, visit UCLA Digital Business Leadership Program (UCLA DBLP).

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