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Chipmaker sees solar cell revolution |
Amsterdam, Netherlands - Promising a revolution in solar cells, Europe's largest semiconductor maker says it has discovered ways to generate electricity twenty times cheaper than today's solar panels. French-Italian chip maker STMicroelectronics said it expects to have the first stable prototypes by the end of 2004.
Most of today's solar cells, which convert sunlight into electricity, are produced with expensive silicon, the same material used in most semiconductors.
ST expects cheaper organic materials such as plastics to bring down the price of producing energy. Over a typical 20-year life span of a solar cell, a single produced watt should cost as little as $0.20, compared with the current $4.
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Nov 16 I wonder if this new technology will be incorporated into a shingle design for roof tops. Shingle solar panels exist already, however they are more expensive then even regular solar panels.Imagine, a roof top made of cheap solar cell shingles that power the home as well as protect it from the elements. The future is bright.
- Ryan
from Canada
Apr 15 Yeah, this is pretty crazy. I don't thinks there's any need to believe that going back to nuclear power is our best option to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
- Jason
from USA
Apr 15 ...not when we have so much potential with new technology.
- Jason
from USA
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- Make the switch to energy efficient light bulbs that will cut energy consumption by 80%. Visit EDF's Energy-Saving Light Bulb Guide to see the abundance of designs available. This is a no-brainer because it saves you alot of money as well!
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