Solar Energy Evolution - Thin Film Organic: Analyst
Posted on: Monday, 23 July 2007, 15:10 CDT
"Solar power -- we've been touting the benefits for quite some time," states Nick Hodge in the investment advisory "Green Chip Review.""But, just as in other industries, the solar sector is evolving."
Capturing solar power started with bulky, rigid panels that had to be installed after a building's construction. These are the photovoltaic systems most people think of whenever solar is mentioned.
First generation solar cells are either monocrystalline or polycrystalline -- the latter is what is typically seen on roofs today.
After those cumbersome cells came the second generation, thin film models. The most successful of this generation has been the cadmium telluride (CdTe) series of cells.
These cells are much thinner, use less material, and are easier to produce -- but they're still rigid.
"The main company that produces these cells has been the darling of Wall Street for the past eight months, soaring from $23.50 last November to around $112, where it hovers today.
That's a 376% gain for the lucky green investors got in on First Solar's IPO.
"But those gains could be minor compared to what's currently taking place in this industry," says Hodge. "In May, I wrote an article for 'Energy and Capital' about thin film organic solar. In that article I talked about being able to spray solar cells on nearly any surface using nanotechnology." (To read this article, please click here: http://www.energyandcapital.com/aqx_x/2062)
"While we may not be there just yet -- at least on a commercial scale -- we're getting closer," notes Hodge. "Using CIS (Copper-Indium-Diselenid) technology, a few companies are now making thin film solar cells that are flexible. So instead of casting silicon into blocks and cutting them into wafers, thin solar cells can be printed on sheets and rolled off on film with much less waste -- much like how a newspaper is printed."
It's Like Printing Your Own Money
According to Hodge, companies use this technology to make products that can be integrated right into the products used for building construction. These are called building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).
"This technology can be used to make solar roofing tiles and architectural photovoltaic glass -- very cool stuff," says Hodge. "Solar panels can be incorporated right into a building's facade or roof, and may even add some aesthetic appeal."
Hodge reports weekly in "Green Chip Review" on the alternative energy market and investing in water, a precious resource that, according to Hodge, is possibly more valuable than oil. Hodge was recently interviewed on the subject on Canadian TV BNN Toronto. To view interview (www.bnn.ca).
To learn more about companies manufacturing these products, click here: http://www.angelnexus.com/o/op/2065
Contact: Jennifer Husson Angel Publishing Email Contact
SOURCE: Angel Research
Source: MARKET WIRE
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