HP collaborates with XE on improved solar power

June 7, 2008

HP collaborates with XE on improved solar power

By Susan Wilson

With so many improvements already being shown in solar cell technology, the collaboration between Hewlett Packard (HP) and Xtreme Energetics (XE) to improve photo voltaic efficiency by 100% would appear to be bravado.

Not only do the companies expect to improve the efficiency but they also expect the improved solar cells to be more cost effective than current solar cells. How do they plan on accomplishing this feat?

Well, XE specializes in solar energy systems and HP has transparent transistor technology. XE will be licensing HP’s technology to create what XE calls "Solar with Style".

Hp uses thin film technology in its transistors utilizing zinc and tin which are readily available and inexpensive. XE is prepared to license that technology and use it in its concentration and tracking system. The clear transistors will allow more light to get through thereby increasing the efficiency of the solar panels.

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