Technology
reducing cost of solar panels by half
From: Click Green Staff,
A world expert on solar
panels will today outline how his pioneering work is set to significantly
improve the performance of solar panels whilst simultaneously contributing to
their cost being reduced by half. The technology will be commercialized within
the next five years.
Professor Stuart Wenham,
from the University of New South Wales (UNSW Australia), receive the
Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) A F Harvey Engineering
Research Prize of £300,000 in recognition of his work. He was chosen from high
caliber candidates from across the world to be awarded the IET's biggest prize,
which will enable the continuation of his groundbreaking work.
Professor Wenham said:
"It is a great honor to receive the A F Harvey Engineering Prize and the
international recognition that it brings to our breakthrough
technology. Our research team at UNSW, which has held the world record in
silicon solar cell efficiency for many years, has discovered how to control the
charge state of hydrogen atoms in silicon and we will be working with the
world’s biggest manufacturers to commercialize this low-cost technology. This
generous prize will go a long way to helping us take this research to the next
stage."
IET President, Barry
Brooks, said: "Professor Wenham has played a pivotal role in the wide
scale development of silicon solar cell technology. His pioneering research and
internationally recognized leadership in the field will enable commercial
exploitation of the technology for the benefit of the global community seeking
renewable energy solutions at affordable prices. He is a truly deserving
recipient of the IET A F Harvey Engineering Prize and an inspiration to all
engineers."
Professor Wenham's
lecture takes place today at 18:30 at The Royal College of Surgeons in central
London.
Professor Wenham is the
third recipient of the IET A F Harvey Engineering Research Prize, which is
named after Dr. A F Harvey, an IET member. Dr. Harvey bequeathed a generous sum
of money to the IET for a Trust Fund to be set up in his name after his death to
be used for the advancement of research into the fields of medical, microwave,
laser or radar engineering.
Read more at ENN
affiliate Click Green.