New Approaches for Capturing, Storing Solar Power
Several items regarding solar power. First a press release from Chinese solar company Trina Solar, which working with the Australian National University has developed solar cells with conversion efficiencies above 24%. The current average global average is around 15%. Next the Guardian takes a look at a promising crystal structure called perovskites, and how they could lead to thicker, partially translucent solar cells for roofs and windows.
Finally, what do you do with all that power night comes? At the moment, the leading energy storage mechanism is the age old method of pumping water uphill to a resorvior, and then re-capturing it through hydraulic turbines. Of course you need a hill, and a lot of water.
An article from Bloomberg examines a number of different technologies being pursued to bring down the cost and increase the capability of storing solar generated power, including Tesla’s proposed gigafactory, and a new liquid metal system devised at MIT. While the article is understandably focused on Earth systems, each gives an idea into possible approaches which may one day be used on Mars.
The article is here.