Nanotechnology And Photovoltaics Trends & Market Potential

Nanotechnology And Photovoltaics Trends & Market Potential

Nanotechnology, shortened to “Nanotech”, is the study of the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Generally nanotechnology deals with structures of the size 100 nanometers or smaller, and involves developing materials or devices within that size.

Nanotechnology is very diverse, ranging from novel extensions of conventional device physics, to completely new approaches based upon molecular self-assembly, to developing new materials with dimensions on the nanoscale, even to speculation on whether we can directly control matter on the atomic scale.

Although nanotechnology is a relatively recent development in scientific research, the development of its central concepts happened over a longer period of time.

Photovoltaic (PV) is the field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells for energy by converting sun energy (sunlight or sun ultra violet radiation) directly into electricity. Due to the growing demand for clean sources of energy, the manufacture of solar cells and photovoltaic arrays has expanded dramatically in recent years.

The coming together of these two technologies has become the talk of the town lately.

This report looks at how nanotechnology is changing the field of photovoltaic innovation.
From the basics of nanotech to the basics of photovoltaic, this report looks at how nanotech is making possible new developments in the solar PV industry.

Table Of Contents :

Executive Summary 5

What You Need to Know about Nanotechnology 6
Introduction 6
History of Nanotechnology 6
Basic Concept 10
What are Nanomaterials? 10
What is Molecular Self-Assembly? 11
Molecular Nanotechnology 11
Techniques Utilized in Nanotechnology 13
Applications of Nanotechnology 15
Medicine 15
Chemistry and the Environment 16
Energy 17
IT and Communications 17
Consumer Goods 18
Aerospace 18
Constructions 19
Implications of Nanotechnology 19
Health and Safety in Terms of Nanoparticles 19
Environmental Issues 20

What You Need to Know about Photovoltaics 22
Introduction 22
Present-Day Industry Overview 23
Global Market 23
Applications of PV 24
Stand Alone PV Systems 25
Photovoltaic Power Station 25
PV in Buildings 26
Photovoltaics with Battery Storage 27
Concept of PV Storage 27
Rural Electrification 28
Connecting Generators with PV 28
Utilities with a Grid-Connected PV System 28
Hybrid Power Systems 30
Distributed Generation and PV 30
Economics of PV 31
Financial Incentives for PV 32
Environmental Impacts 34
Advantages and Disadvantages of PV 34

Nanotech and PV 37
Use of Nanotechnology in the Energy Industry 37
Nanotechnology and Solar Power 40
Nanolayers in Stack Cells 43
Quantum Dots for Solar Cells 43
New Materials for Photovoltaics 44

Research in Nanotechnology Usage in PV 46

Major Players 50
Nanosolar 50
NanoGram 52
HelioVolt Corporation 53
Konarka Technologies, Inc 54
SunFlake AS 56

Appendix 58

Glossary 65

List of Figures and Tables

Figures

Figure 1: Hybrid Power Systems 30
Figure 2: Diagram of a Nano Solar Cell 41
Figure 3: Processability of Nanomaterials (High Productivity Possible through Printing
Processes) 44
Figure 4: Activity and Diversity of Top 10 Countries in Nanotechnology Thin-film Solar
Cells Publications 49
Figure 5: Parabolic Trough 58
Figure 6: Central Receiver or Solar Tower 58
Figure 7: Parabolic Dish 59
Figure 8: Photovoltaic Roof System 59