MIT’s Technology Review writes about a company called Prism Solar Technologies of Stone Ridge, N.Y., which has developed a slim panel laminated with holograms that concentrate sunlight onto rows of silicon solar cells. The system apparently needs 25 to 85 per cent less silicon than a traditional polycrystalline silicon panel of comparable wattage, and has the potential to cut the cost of solar modules by 75 per cent.

“In their ability to concentrate light, holograms are not as powerful as conventional concentrators,” the magazine writes. ”They can multiply the amount of light falling on the cells only by as much as a factor of 10, whereas lens-based systems can increase light by a factor of 100, and some even up to 1,000.”

But, as the magazine points out, traditional concentrators using lenses and mirrors are bulky, complicated and need to track the sun. They also require cooling because they heat up the solar cells. This means for smaller applications such as homes and businesses, the prism-based system is a more practical compromise.

The company’s CEO hopes to have the price-per-watt down to $1.50 (U.S.) with its second-generation product, making it more competitive with fossil-fuel-based energy generation. For now, however, the focus is on raising $6 million (U.S.) so manufacturing can start before the end of the year on first-generation modules, which promise $2.40 per watt.

Another fine invention to watch…

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