Solar-energy materials preparation techniques

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The application of materials to the thermal control of structures, photothermal/electrical conversion, and photovoltaic conversion are reviewed. Applications include solar and infrared reflectors, optical filters, transparent conductors, bulk semiconductor materials, semiconductor films, and selective solar absorbers. The use of thin films in many conservation and photothermal applications is presently economical, but the economics of photothermal/electrical and photovoltaic conversion is still being investigated. The means of obtaining selective solar absorbers which have a high solar absorptance and low ir emittance are discussed, and specific data on an electrodeposited black-chrome selective absorber is presented. It is shown that solar–electric generating plants must be constructed at a cost of about $50/m2 to be competitive with other electrical generating plants, and that a meaningful impact on the electrical energy economy will require a fabrication rate of greater than 1.8 × 108 m2 (50 square miles) per year. Present high-volume deposition capabilities are reviewed, and it is shown that for some types of deposition, namely electrodeposition, e-beam vacuum evaporation, and possibly sputter deposition, facilities exist which approach the desired volumes.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: