Solar panels 'to be made easier to install'

Article date : 22/02/2010

Solar panels are renowned for being energy efficient but some consumers may be put off investing in the green technology, believing it will be difficult to install.

However, solar panels of the future may not have this problem, with researchers at the California Institute of Technology announcing they have developed a way to make them lighter.

Current panels use silicon solar cells fabricated on to brittle wafers of silicon measuring some 100-200 micrometres in thickness.

However, the researchers have revealed they are looking at ways to create flexible solar cells with silicon wires.

This will see them using only one per cent of the materials currently employed to make contemporary solar panels.

Commenting on the news, a spokesperson from the renewableEnergyCentre.co.uk, said: "The flexible silicon wires would enable easier installation and offer lighter solutions."

As a result, she added the panels could be easier for people to install which may see more homeowners investing in the technology.

The government recently revealed that from April 1st, any household which generates its own power through renewable energy technology such as solar panels or wind turbines could make £900 tax-free each year.

Written by Tony Harrison

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