(July 10, 2012) Two Queen’s
researchers have contributed to a significant breakthrough in solar technology.
Their research has led to a new solar photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system that
generates both electricity and heat.
Solar PVTs
are normally made with crystal silicon cells which generate electricity, but
little heat. Stephen Harrison and Joshua Pearce (Mechanical and Materials
Engineering) designed and tested amorphous silicon cells in a PVT system. Their
research shows increased heat generation because of higher operating
temperatures and 10 per cent more solar electric output.