The latest Solar technology
These unique and high efficiency solar cells are considered to be be laminated into the hull and deck structure through out the E.S.P cat. This way the vessel will become a floating solar collector. What makes these newly developed cells very attractive is that they produce more power than conventional [20% efficiency] cells and also produce power from heat. This is a new and welcome addition to generating power from the environment. Here follows the manufactures description of their product with link to their site.
Quantum
Solar Systems Corp. has developed a revolutionary technology that will
change the face of the Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy industry around the
world. Through the development of a proprietary solar PV panel manufacturing
technology, Quantum Solar plans to manufacture non-Silicon based, quantum
dot polymer solar panels for global consumption that maximize solar energy
efficiency, are cost effective, easy to use, and safe for the environment.
• Technology
Quantum Solar has developed the technology to precisely synthesize Quantum
Dots of dissimilar sizes that have absorption spectra between IR to UV in a
solar cell, allowing the harvesting of a much larger portion of the
available solar spectrum. This technology is applicable to deposition by
screen-printing to create an economic thin-film device en masse.
• Production
Quantum's solar panels are manufactured using simple screen-printing
technology. Using plastic film as the substrate, proprietary solutions are
screen printed onto the substrate, creating solar cells that convert solar
radiation (photons) into electricity. The solar panel is then laminated to
protect the photovoltaic cells, generating a solar panel that is 0.5 mm in
thickness, flexible, and actively generating energy at 6V to 220V under
maximum conditions. Installation is simple, strong and effective. Being
light and flexible the panels can be installed very inexpensively and even
on curved surfaces.