Breaking news: Bacteria made to solar cells could bring solar power to overcast skies

Researchers from the University of British Columbia discovered a bacteria that can convert light to energy. This is astonishing first step toward wider adaptation of solar power where overcast skies are common.  The cell created a current stronger than any previously recorded and worked just as efficiently in dim light as in bright light. This innovation is a huge step to apply solar power in areas such as British Columbia and northern Europe, where overcast skies are common. These solar cells, biogenic cells are made of living organisms. Experts believe that these cells could be as efficient as the synthetic cells found in traditional solar panels."Our solution to a uniquely B.C. problem is a significant step toward making solar energy more economical," said Vikramaditya Yadav, a professor in UBC's department of chemical and biological engineering who led the project. Solar cells is the foundation of solar panels. They convert light into electrical current. 

The UBC researchers genetically engineered E. coli to create large quantity of lycopene. This is a dye that gives tomatoes their red-orange colour. Surprisingly, its effective at harvesting light for conversion to energy. The researchers coated the bacteria with a mineral that act as a semiconductor. It’s then applied to a glass surface that simulates an anode at one end of their cell. It generated a density of 0.686 milliamps per square centimetre. This is an improvement on the 0.362 achieved in the field. "We recorded the highest current density for a biogenic solar cell," said Yadav. "These hybrid materials that we are developing can be manufactured economically and sustainably, and, with sufficient optimization, could perform at comparable efficiencies as conventional solar cells."
At this point, the cost savings are yet to be determined. The cost of dye production to approxiamately  one-tenth of what it would be is plays a factor. Discovering a process that doesn't kill the bacteria can produce dye indefinitely is a huge plus for saving costs. 

If you want to move into the future and join the solar revolution, or if you want to find out what solar panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. You can see how much a system will cost, and how much you can save over the next 20 years. For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.