Boffins patent long-life solar cells

BOFFINS at the University of California have worked out how to extend the life of solar cells by giving them a form of sun screen.

Current designs of solar cells tend to degrade over time because they are out in the sun all the time and that is not good for man, beast, or solar panel.

Yang Yang, a materials scientist, has patented a coating the solar cell with a material that converts ultraviolet photons into ones of visible light.

Called photon conversion material it converts harmful UV into longer wavelengths, enhancing efficiency of solar-energy conversion and reducing damage to cells.

If it sounds like the idea behind sun block, well it does to us too.

The PCM can come in a bottle too. So while you are doing your own sunbathing on the roof, you could also be giving your expensive panels a rub down too.

The patent is here. µ