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A More Efficient Solar Cell
Quantum dots may be in your future as a hospitality business owner or manager. According to DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), quantum dots, or "nanocrystals", may boost photovoltaic efficiency to 65 percent from the present high of 33 percent. If this manufacturing approach is cheaper than the present anufacturing costs (lead and sulfur are cheap, but the price of selenium is rising) then this technology will be cost-competitive with raditional energy sources. When that happens, we'll see a proliferation of photovoltaic installations, one great step in energy self-reliance.
Part of creating a more secure energy future is taking a multi-pronged approach; reduce energy demand and utilize multiple energy sources. I can see the day when some hospitality venues will rely on quantum dots to generate the bulk of their electric needs. How sweet it will be!
Posted by Kit Cassingham
