Hairy Solar Cells Could Mean Higher Efficiency

kitzilla writes "Two research groups working independently have come up with what they say are cheap processes for growing nanowires to be used with solar cells. The 'hairy' cells provide a direct path for electrons collected at the panel face to reach an electrode, something which has the potential to dramatically improve system efficiency."

Not first

[jack2000]

Any one who writes first deserves to be banned! Also who sees this to be the hair of cyborgs...

Let me guess...

[kiick]

They expect to have something ready in 3 to 5 years.

If every solar cell advance that was announced actually led to improvements of solar cells you could actually buy, then they would be 99.9999999% efficient and cost less than crackers.

But I'm not bitter, nooooooo.

Already been done in nature

[Turken]

Last I heard, polar bears are already nature's hairy solar collectors. So all we have to do is hunt them down for their skins to make super efficient solar panels so that we can stop the global warming and thus save all the polar... umm...

Re:Let me guess...

[rossy]

... then they would be 99.9999999% efficient and cost less than crackers.

Yes, but would they be individually wrapped?

Re:Let me guess...

[Anonymous Coward]

Mmmmm, hairy crackers...

Fantasizing about us white guys again?

Re:Nanowires are nice and everything...

[Facetious]

I believe I first used my A/C this year in February

You own an Anonymous Coward? That would be sweet. I would task mine to read and summarize /. for me.

Re:Let me guess...

[Belial6]

Sounds just like computers. I need to get one of those one of these days. Just as soon as they stop getting smaller and cheaper.

Re:Nanowires are nice and everything...

[lgw]

It was two different examples. 6 or even individual bulbs in a bathroom fixture are common (I've never been sure why, not needing to apply makeup). Also, 300W halogen floor lamps are common, and it's really hard to find a florescent replacement for those: nothing is bright enough, and when you turn down the dimmer on the 300W bulbs to where you can barely see them, you get the color temperature of firelight, which is very nice at times.

Also, in Texas, your average living room is larger than Italy, but that's a different topic. :)

Fraud alert ...

[ScrewMaster]

These guys are scammers ... it's the old When Hairy Met Sili Con.

Re:Not first

[beav007]

Hairyness makes everything better. I mean, just look at me...

Re:Dramatic efficiency improvements unlikely.

[Chris Mattern]

Yeah, but who's gonna build the catchium reactors?

Re:Nanowires are nice and everything...

[Anonymous Coward]

Skintigh2 is a 400k slashdotter.

You'll have to wait until all the 500k and 600k get their apprentices before you get yours.