Researchers at New Zealand's Massey University have developed an incredibly inexpensive alternative to standard solar panels. The technology relies upon "solar dye", synthetic dyes made up of natural compounds. The dyes are then paired with dye-sensitive solar cells. The dyes create solar power at a tenth of the price of standard solar panels.

Developers at the University's Nanomaterials Research Center plan to optimize the cell construction for maximum efficiency before releasing the technology commercially.

Once commercially available, the "solar dye" technology will catapult solar energy nearer to the forefront as a potentially viable source of alternative fuel. Currently, even the least powerful solar panel systems costs well into the thousands. Despite proving an effective source of energy, the high expense has prevented potential users from obtaining solar power infrastructure. Solar dye, at a tenth the price, will permit corporations to make massive energy overhauls at a fraction of the price. The technology will make solar energy available to a large population of residential users as well.

New Zealand's Solar Dye

Labels: Advanced Energy