‘A very new technology’: Saskatchewan scientists research how to make solar panels more efficient

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are working to make solar panels more efficient. CTV's Laura Woodward reports.

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are studying ways to make solar energy more efficient, as artificial intelligence drive global demand for power.

“Just the sheer amount of data processing that goes into AI is tremendous. That takes electricity and that electricity has to come from somewhere,” Timothy Kelly, a professor of chemistry, told CTV News.

Kelly and his team are studying a new type of solar cell made from perovskite — a material that could become an alternative to traditional silicon panels.

“Manufacturing is a lot more straightforward, a lot less energy intensive. It’s still a very new technology. We’re still looking to develop it and get it out to market,” Kelly said.

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Researchers are using technology at the Canadian Light Source to track how well perovskite materials generate electricity in real time.

Kelly compared the research to being able to taste a cake while it’s baking — without opening the oven door.

“We’re able to watch the perovskite material as it crystallizes and grows, and we can actually monitor how the performance of the solar cell changes,” Kelly explained.

Kelly said even small improvements in solar technology could make a big difference in meeting energy needs.

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