Research Proposal on Development of Solar Cells Using Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology in Development of Solar Cells 1
Research Proposal on Development of Solar Cells Using Nanotechnology
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Nanotechnology in Development of Solar Cells 2

Nanotechnology in Development of Solar Cells 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The use of nanotechnology in the development of thin-film solar cells is one of the most
potentials and promising emerging technology in the manufacture of more reliable and efficient
solar panels at a lower cost. This report presents a research proposal on how to optimize solar
efficiency and to reduce the cost of solar panels through the application of nanotechnology in the
manufacture of a thin-film solar cell. The main objective of the research is to establish the
workability and applicability of the technology mentioned above in reducing the manufacturing
cost of solar cells through an extensive literature review. Through the study, it is recommended
that further scope of the study should consider analyzing the impacts of titanium nanotubes made
from polymers on solar efficiency and overall manufacturing cost.
Figure 1: Nanotechnology in solar cells

Nanotechnology in Development of Solar Cells 4
Contents
Executive summary.........................................................................................................................3
Introduction......................................................................................................................................6
Problem statement.......................................................................................................................7
Research Questions......................................................................................................................8
Justification..................................................................................................................................8
Research Objectives.....................................................................................................................9
Literature Review..........................................................................................................................10
The evolution of solar cells........................................................................................................12
Advantages of nanotechnology in solar P.V. panels.................................................................13
Methodology..................................................................................................................................15
Results and Discussion..................................................................................................................17
Conclusion and recommendation..................................................................................................18
Reference.......................................................................................................................................19

Nanotechnology in Development of Solar Cells 5
LIST OF FIGURE
Figure 1: Nanotechnology in solar cells..........................................................................................4
Figure 2: Different energy demand from 1940 to 2010 ................................................................10
Figure 3: Renewable Energy Production Rate from 2007 to 2015................................................10
Figure 4: Flexibility of panels developed by nanotechnology.......................................................12
Figure 5: Schematic spin coating process......................................................................................13
Figure 6: Efficiency distribution with nanowire............................................................................15

Nanotechnology in Development of Solar Cells 6
INTRODUCTION
Renewable energy is fast gaining momentum in the energy sector all over the world. Major
electricity producers are fast shifting focus on harvesting solar radiation to produce electricity. In
the recent past, the massive campaign has been launched to ensure that we have a sustainable
environment free from pollution that is caused by the combustion of fossil fuels to produce
energy or electricity. Thus making renewable energy sources the best alternative to replace non-
renewable or fossil fuels (Grant and HicksL., 2020). The scientist had described the sun as the
source energy that illuminates the earth and source of life to animals and plants since they
depend on sunlight either directly or indirectly for survival. However, the sun doesn't illuminate
the earth at night due to the principle of the earth's rotation. But most of the electrical appliances
require electricity all the time. Therefore mechanical engineers, in collaboration with electrical
engineers, started developing systems, appliances, infrastructures, and machines that would
ensure a continuous supply of solar energy even at night by developing inverters, solar batteries.
And the most recent is the use of Nano-technology to optimize the efficiency of solar cells to
harness maximum power from the sun during the day and store the harvested electricity for later
use (Ahmadi et al., 2019).
High demand and a keen interest in renewable energy have facilitated tremendous growth in the
solar cell industry. However, this high demand comes with a lot of pressure in the manufacturing
sector of the solar panels and its accessories, making mechanical engineers to work around the
clock to ensure that their products are the most sustainable and are of high efficiency (Bhushan,
2017). Solar cell manufacturing industry has faced a challenge over the past decade, the cost of
fabricating high energy rated solar panels and accessories is quite expensive and costly to