2023 Solar Glass Breakthrough: Driving A New Era of Sustainability

Harnessing the Sun's Power: Advancing Solar Technologies for a Sustainable Future

Key Takeaways

  • Solar PV capacity has expanded exponentially but must grow 400% by 2050 to meet climate targets

  • China dominates module production but localized manufacturing improves resilience

  • Innovations constantly improve silicon cells and thin-film technologies

  • Emerging solar glass integrates PV seamlessly into infrastructure as building material

  • Strategies balancing domestic production and international cooperation optimize innovation

  • Energy storage, modern grids, and cost reductions are critical to realize solar's potential

Abstract

Solar energy represents one of the most promising renewable sources to displace fossil fuel dominance and mitigate climate change impacts. However, realizing solar's immense potential requires surmounting ongoing challenges around supply resilience, storage, grid integration and affordability. Thankfully, breakthroughs in solar photovoltaics, like advanced solar glass, promise to accelerate adoption.

This paper examines the global solar industry's evolution, key innovations in solar panels and building-integrated photovoltaics, and how next-generation technologies can catalyze urgent energy transitions. Strategic investments, policies and multidisciplinary collaboration focused on solar advancements will be instrumental in transitioning societies to carbon-neutrality.

Beyond practical necessities, solar energy also holds spiritual promise for realigning humanity's relationship with nature if harnessed equitably and ethically. With determined leadership prioritizing environmental and social wellbeing over profits, the solar industry can help actualize more just, ecologically-integrated futures.

Introduction

As the threats of climate change escalate with each passing year, transitioning the world's energy systems away from fossil fuels towards renewable alternatives has become an imperative unmatched by any other global challenge we face. Harnessing the immense power of the sun through continued solar technology developments offers tremendous hope for curbing emissions at the immense scale demanded by the science.

It is with great anticipation then that we examine the solar industry's recent strides, especially new innovations like integrated solar glass that promise to revolutionize how societies harvest and distribute renewable energy in coming decades. By seamlessly generating power through ordinary windows and architectural facades, solar glass represents a true game-changer for realizing clean energy's potential in every setting from skyscrapers to rural villages.

Though solar has already made astounding progress cutting costs 80% each passing year, an unprecedented further scale-up remains vital. Strategic policy support and public-private cooperation must accelerate worldwide the solar industry's momentum to help swiftly decarbonize electricity supplies.

As this paper will outline, strategic manufacturing localization balancing economic realities with supply chain resilience holds enormous rewards. Estimates indicate expanded production could yield over $40 billion annually in commerce and hundreds of thousands of high-quality jobs.

Most importantly, we must optimize sustainability globally by facilitating solar's integration with storage and modernized grids. Access to decentralized renewable sources will prove transformational for energy security worldwide while generating inestimable public health benefits as pollution levels plummet.

It is our hope that disseminating findings on solar glass and outlining a sustainable vision for this industry’s future will help mobilize stakeholders toward bolder climate action. With determined leadership, solar energy's immense promise remains ours to realize.

The Growth of Solar Energy

Solar power has expanded exponentially in recent decades as costs plummet and concerns over climate change impacts from fossil fuel emissions mount. Global solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity soared from 40 gigawatts (GW) in 2010 to an estimated 1,300 GW by 2022, supplying an estimated 4% of global electricity demand (IRENA, 2022).

This phenomenal growth results from solar PV module prices dropping over 80% in the last decade thanks to economies of scale in manufacturing, supply chain improvements, and technology advancements (Fu et al., 2018). Bloated state subsidies for fossil fuels, which supply over 80% of primary energy worldwide, also distort energy economics and deter cleaner alternatives (IMF, 2021).

Despite solar's progress, the International Energy Agency (IEA) warns renewable sources must expand up to 400% of current capacity by 2050 to reach net-zero emissions and prevent the worst climate change scenarios (IEA, 2021). Realizing such an unprecedented scale-up will require sustained policies, investment and innovation to improve solar PV affordability, performance and global integration.

Like the global situation, solar adoption in the United States surged over 2300% from 2010 to 2021, providing 4% of electricity supply (SEIA, 2021). The Inflation Reduction Act's long-term tax credits for solar installation and manufacturing signal likely continued momentum (Pyper, 2022). Total solar capacity additions doubled from 2020 to 2022, while tripling projected within the next 5 years (SEIA, 2022).

But this near-term outlook marks just an initial step toward the Biden administration's goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 (The White House, 2022). Various analyses estimate solar must supply 40-50% of national electricity by 2035 and up to 90% by 2050 to fulfill decarbonization targets, necessitating 1,600 GW of solar PV capacity additions over the next 15 years (NREL, 2021; NREL 2022). Reaching such extraordinary levels demands urgent focus across research, policy, regulation, finance and beyond to continue improving solar technology performance and economics while overcoming grid integration hurdles.

  • Analysis in Renewable Energy finds solar and onshore wind achieved cost competitiveness with fossil fuels in over two-thirds of countries between 2010-2018, as average LCOE fell by over 80% for PV (IRENA, 2019).

  • Researchers in the Journal of Industrial Ecology determined solar panel efficiency increases of just 1% per year could reduce supply chain energy needs and emissions by over 10% annually (Frankl et al., 2020).

  • A study in Joule estimated transitioning global energy supply to a combination of solar, wind, batteries and grids could generate $7 trillion per year in public health and climate benefits once established (Jacobson et al., 2021).

  • Analysis by the European Climate Foundation projected solar and wind could provide over 60% of global power needs by 2050 given accelerated climate policy and $1 trillion in additional clean energy investments annually (ECF, 2021).

  • NREL research modeling critically examines integration challenges like ramping limitations but finds up to 90% decarbonization possible by 2050 with combined solar, wind, hydro and other clean technologies (Mai et al., 2018).

The Solar Photovoltaic Supply Chain

Understanding solar PV manufacturing, materials flows and geographic distribution provides key context for the industry's opportunities and challenges. Currently, China dominates global solar PV production, supplying over 80% of modules installed worldwide in recent years (ITRPV, 2021).

But this overreliance on a single country poses energy security risks, as severe supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated (Lacey, 2022). By some estimates, bringing 40% of manufacturing capacity back to the U.S. and Europe using localized supply chains could mitigate risks while creating domestic jobs and meeting decarbonization goals (ITRPV, 2021).

  • A 2020 Deloitte report found 76% of solar executives planned increasing regionalized manufacturing to diversify critical material sources in response to COVID supply disruptions.

  • The US Department of Energy projects localizing 45% of solar installation manufacturing could generate over 72,000 long-term domestic jobs by 2030 under investment incentives.

Silicon remains the dominant material for over 90% of solar PV panels as crystalline silicon (c-Si) cells and modules given its abundant availability, high purity achievable and decades of manufacturing experience (Green, 2001). Producing solar-grade silicon suitable for efficient energy conversion involves energy-intensive processes like quartz reduction in large furnaces (Mitchell et al., 2016).

How to Achieve Better Results

These upstream stages generating metallurgical and solar-grade silicon contribute the most emissions in c-Si PV life cycles rather than panel manufacturing itself (Liang & You, 2023). So locating production where clean electricity sources like renewables or nuclear can fuel processes provides significant decarbonization opportunities, whether domestically or abroad.

  • A 2021 Solar Energy Industries Association survey found two-thirds of over 250 stakeholders saw potential for expanded US PV production under new legislation.

  • Locating upstream silicon production utilizing hydropower in regions like Manitoba offers strategic decarbonization through accessing clean electricity.

With silicon purified, c-Si ingots are grown into mono- or multi-crystalline structures and cut into wafers for cell fabrication (Mitchell et al., 2016). Additional components like framing, junction boxes and wiring ready modules for installation. While specialized equipment and technical expertise pose barriers, evidence suggests localized module assembly using imported cells could readily expand manufacturing domestically at reasonable cost, pointing to modular strategies balancing resilience and economics (Zheng & Kammen, 2014).

Thin-Film technologies

Emerging thin-film technologies like cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS) represent less than 10% of current capacity but offer advantages like using abundant, non-toxic materials and lowering energy requirements for deposition-based manufacturing (Wang et al., 2021).

  • Thin-film technology developers emphasize utilizing earth-abundant, nontoxic materials lowers manufacturing emissions intrinsically to better compete.

  • Progress in manufacturing engineering and waste stream management supports expanding commercial opportunities for multiple absorber thin-film technologies simultaneously with appropriate incentives.

  • Coordinating policies, industry strategies and ongoing R&D will shape solar costs, job growth, supply resilience and contributions to emissions targets globally through optimized opportunities along supply chains.

Expanding thin-film production could provide more flexibility and diversity for regionalized solar manufacturing. Continued broad investments are imperative across technologies to maximize innovation opportunities and build strategic domestic capabilities.

Key Solar Cell and Module Innovations

Incremental and transformational improvements in solar PV modules underpin solar's competitiveness against incumbent energy sources. Swanson's law observes that with each doubling of shipped solar panel volume, prices have fallen 20% dating back to the 1970s, and researchers predict this cost trend will continue to around $0.20/W for typical panels within two decades (Fu et al., 2018).

While economies of scale explain much historic price decline, innovation unlocked higher silicon material efficiencies and processing advances that cumulatively fueled Swanson's law (Nemet, 2019).

Reviewing some key innovations demonstrates solar PV's ongoing technology leverage to keep reducing costs:

  • Heterojunction Cells - Combining crystalline silicon wafers with amorphous silicon layers allows tuning of light absorption and carrier collection, achieving efficiencies over 25% (Taguchi et al., 2014).

  • Passivated Emitter Rear Cells (PERC) - Dielectric rear-side passivation layers reduce charge recombination, improving efficiency to over 21% for common p-type silicon devices (Li et al., 2019).

  • Multi-Busbar Cells - More fine metal collection grids cut carrier transport distances, allowing efficiency nearing 21% as multi-busbar designs gain adoption (Louwen et al., 2017).

  • Bifacial Modules - Transparent backing layers generate power from albedo radiation reflected off surfaces underneath panels, boosting output over 10% (Kopechek et al., 2021).

  • High-Efficiency Designs - Advanced architectures with back contacts, tunnel oxides and layered cells push lab records over 29% for nanostructured silicon devices (Yoshikawa et al., 2017).

Thin-film technologies also continue improving conversion efficiency and lowering material needs, with CdTe commercial modules approaching 19% efficiency and CIGS surpassing 22% in laboratories (Green et al., 2019). Domestically, the National Renewable Energy Lab's RECORDS model tracks early research progress, with recent multi-junction devices demonstrating up to 47% efficiency under highly concentrated illumination (NREL, 2022). Such cutting-edge concepts promise to keep increasing silicon and thin-film performance.

Adjacent to cell advances, innovations in mechanical design and materials engineer systems durability while minimizing costs. Anti-reflective glass coatings maximize light transmission, while textured surfaces increase trapping within panels (Du et al., 2018; Chen et al., 2017). Frame, junction box and wiring enhancements boost panel reliability and lifespans exceeding 30 years. Adhesives, sealants and insulation layers protect against harsh environmental stresses (Köntges et al., 2017).

Efforts to eliminate lead and other toxic materials align with ecological principles. And streamlining designs for automated assembly, such as via half-cut interconnection schemes, cuts manufacturing costs (Louwen et al., 2017). Continued systems-level research balancing production costs, field robustness and sustainability remains imperative.

Solar Glass as a Revolutionary Enabling Technology

While innovations in conventional crystalline silicon panels and thin-films will continue progress, emerging solar glass technologies represent perhaps the most transformative daylighting and distributed power generation opportunity since solar PV's inception. Solar glass incorporates photovoltaic cells laminated between panes of insulated architectural glass without compromising optical transparency, enabling windows, facades and surfaces to generate emissions-free electricity (Onyx Solar, 2023).

Early field tests demonstrated solar windows sized for greenhouses producing around 30W per square meter, able to offset up to 40% of energy costs (ClearVue PV, 2023). This proof-of-concept underscores solar glass's potential to turn the vast amount of glass infrastructure worldwide into clean energy sources.

Expanding solar glass manufacturing capacity promises to accelerate adoption given its distinct advantages over traditional panels. Conventional solar arrays consume land while requiring intentional positioning for sufficient insolation exposure. Instead, solar glass seamlessly integrates into structural designs as a ubiquitous building material, maximizing harvestable space (Onyx Solar, 2023).

Solar windows, façades and skylights generate power from existing transparent surfaces without compromising aesthetics or daylighting (Jelle et al., 2012). This adaptability allows application across residential, commercial and industrial settings, from skyscrapers to transit shelters. And the ability to retrofit existing infrastructure unlocks additional decarbonization potential.

Early solar glass products like Spanish company Onyx Solar's PV façades are already economically viable for many customers given long-term energy savings and carbon footprint reductions (Onyx Solar, 2023). Still, companies continue working to increase solar conversion efficiency within glass and bring down costs through manufacturing scale. Expanding domestic production in particular will bolster localized supply chains.

Canadian firm Mitrex plans to open a 2.5GW solar glass factory in the United States producing traditional panels along with building-integrated products (Pickerel, 2023). Such investments will be vital to realize economies of scale and make solar glass cost competitive across industries from construction to automotive.

Further advancements will build on the strong foundation companies established demonstrating solar glass functionality. Continued research and testing aim to extend operational lifetimes to meet customers' long-term investment horizons (Mitrex, 2023).

Improving conductive coatings and experimenting with technologies like dual orientations for bifacial exposure offer routes to enhance efficiency (Qiu et al., 2016; Mitrex, 2023). Reducing materials needs through advanced manufacturing and optimized glass composition lessens production emissions and resource strains moving toward circular economic paradigms (Piliougine et al., 2013). Texturing techniques show particular promise for increasing light scattering into solar cells embedded within panes (Chen et al., 2017).

And adapting techniques like roll-to-roll production to solar glass manufacturing will be key for volume and economies of scale (Espinosa et al., 2018). Such ongoing innovation across the value chain will maximize solar glass's position to transform passive elements worldwide into clean energy generators.

The Evolution of Solar Energy: A Technological Timeline

  • Ancient Greece - Archimedes (287-212 BCE) builds practical applications like controlled burning lenses harnessing sunlight as an energy source (Dold-Samplonius et al., 2011).

  • 1839 - French physicist Edmund Becquerel discovers the photovoltaic effect, observing current generation in materials upon light exposure (Würfel, 2005).

  • 1883 - Charles Fritts creates the first modern solar cell using selenium on platinum, achieving 1% efficiency (Basore, 1990).

  • 1887 - Inventor William Grylls Adams and chemist Richard Evans Day construct solar panel prototypes amid electric lighting development (Green, 1995).

  • 1905 - Albert Einstein's photoelectric effect theoretical work and Planck's quantum hypothesis lay scientific groundwork (Tromholt, 1902).

  • 1940s - Bell Labs' Chapin, Fuller and Pearson develop silicon solar cells, ushering commercial R&D (Basore, 1990).

  • 1950s - Hoffman Electronics and solar-thermal water heating emerge as early applications (Basore, 1990).

  • 1960s - Space-faring nations develop high-efficiency multi-junction cells for satellites (Green, 1995).

  • 1970s - Oil shocks catalyze expanded research institutionally through EPA and ERDA (Basore, 1990).

  • 1980s - Japanese investments boost thin-film and crystalline silicon understanding (Basore, 1990).

  • 1990s - Emerging economies invest heavily, global capacities surge past 1GW for the first time (Painuly, 2001).

  • 2000s - Technological and manufacturing improvements drive 60% cost declines decade-over-decade (Green et al., 2020).

  • 2010s - Installations soar annually over 100GW amid policies, dropping prices and climate concerns. Solar represents fastest-growing energy source (IRENA, 2022).

  • 2020s - Innovation accelerates with advances like bifacial cells and net-zero energy conceptions tailored to regions (Appleton, 2021).

Challenges and Opportunities for Further Solar Expansion

While solar energy achieved remarkable global scale, realizing its immense potential to displace fossil fuel dominance demands confronting ongoing challenges around supply security, grid integration, storage and affordability.

First, the industry's overreliance on Chinese module production leaves supplies susceptible to geopolitical disruptions, trade conflicts or other shocks (Fu et al., 2022).

Strengthening domestic U.S. manufacturing as policies encourage provides insulating geographic diversity (Pyper, 2022). But completely relocating capacities ignores economic realities and forgoes collaborative opportunities like equipment sharing and joint R&D that international engagement facilitates (Lacey, 2022).

Pursuing globally distributed, strategically localized production and supply chains utilizing regionally abundant resources offers a robust compromise fortifying the industry while retaining cost advantages from specialization and collective learning across borders (Zheng & Kammen, 2014).

  • Analysis from the Fraunhofer Institute finds supplying just 40% of global PV demand with localized manufacturing could generate $40 billion annually in industrial activity while lowering costs 20% (ITRPV, 2021).

  • The US Department of Energy estimates expanding domestic solar manufacturing to supply 45% of installations by 2030 could create over 72,000 long-term jobs (DOE, 2021).

Pairing solar deployment with adequate energy storage presents another difficulty.

Solar's intermittent generation profile necessitates storage or dispatchable capacity to manage grid stability as penetration rises (Haegel et al., 2017). Continued battery innovations to improve performance and lower costs will prove critical, along with integrating demand response and intelligent controls (Cole & Frazier, 2019). Thermal storage techniques also hold unique advantages by smoothing solar variability to better follow loads (Xu et al., 2014).

  • Research published in Joule found decarbonizing global electricity supply through a combination of solar, wind, storage and grids would generate $7 trillion per year in public health and climate benefits once established, outweighing costs 230-to-1 (Jacobson et al., 2021).

  • According to data from BloombergNEF, achieving net-zero emissions globally would require over $150 trillion total investment through 2050 in clean energy and infrastructure, representing less than 2% of projected GDP over that period (BNEF, 2021).

  • Upgrading transmission and distribution infrastructure is imperative to accommodate solar expansion, especially given U.S. grids long delayed modernization.

Streamlining interconnection processes, appropriating capacity upgrades and optimizing network flows through technologies like dynamic line ratings and topology optimization will maximize network hosting potential for solar and other renewables (EPRI, 2021). Emerging local distribution markets and aggregator models that incentivize grid services from distributed resources could also help realize solar's capabilities to enhance reliability and resilience (Bonbright et al., 2022).

Lastly, while solar's levelized cost of energy reached parity with fossil sources in many contexts, further cost declines through innovation remain vital for mass adoption, especially in developing economies (Ram et al., 2020).

Recycling systems to recover and reuse solar materials at end-of-life will also be crucial for scaling sustainably by shifting toward circular economic principles (Wang et al., 2020). But perhaps solar's greatest cost advantage lies in avoiding the heavy externalities fossil fuels impose on society, which economics traditionally discounts or ignores outright (IMF, 2021). Internalizing environmental and health costs via appropriate carbon pricing speed solar's currently distorted competitiveness.

  • Analysis by NREL concluded deploying energy storage in combination with solar, wind and other variable renewable resources could save utilities and ratepayers over $100 billion annually in regions across the US by 2030 through avoided infrastructure investments and fuel costs alone (Denholm et al., 2019).

However daunting, collective initiative across public and private spheres can overcome the challenges solar faces through inspired leadership and cooperation. The renewable transition's pace and equity likely depends on society's commitment to environmental stewardship and social wellbeing over profit maximization and regressive consolidation of resources. Visionary directions embracing science, ethics and justice point one promising way forward.

The Spiritual Promise of Solar Energy

Beyond practical decarbonization motivations, the sun's immense energy also holds unique metaphorical and spiritual promise. Solar technologies harness our closest stellar fusion reactor sustaining life itself.

The UV white light from the sun - with seven constituent colors in the visible spectrum reflected by the glass coating substrates in solar panels - might represent vast untapped potentials yet to be revealed and understood through forward-looking research (Sun et al., 2022). Solar modules absorbing diffuse light into electricity allude to the hidden potentials within humanity and the environment awaiting awakening.

Teachings across faiths revere sunlight's animating essence that nourishes growth. The celestial sun figuratively illuminates minds and awakens sleepy souls sunk in ignorance's darkness by lighting wisdom's path.

Solar glass aptly combines sunlight's metaphorical enlightenment and physical power - clear sight and electrical current generation - within one integrated plane. Perhaps transformative solar technologies similarly synthesize pragmatic needs for clean, decentralized energy with inspired visions of humanity maturing toward enlightened, integrated relationships with itself and nature.

Concepts like solarpunk expressionistically render these aspirations for human-environmental symbiosis - the notion that humanity can consciously create societies operating in regenerative harmony within nature's limits (Otter, 2020).

  • Decentralization of energy and resources, emphasizing community ownership of distributed renewables like rooftop solar and microgrids.

  • Harmonious integration of technology with nature, embracing both ecology and engineering through themes like biomimicry, agrivoltaics and renewable materials.

  • Egalitarian, diverse communities united in stewardship of the land and each other through cooperation instead of competition.

  • Uplifting all people's quality of life through access to clean energy, water, healthy food, education and meaningful work aligned with environmental protections.

  • Optimistically reimagining sustainable urban planning that nurtures both civilization and biodiversity through walkable, green cities integrated into surrounding ecosystems.

The solarpunk vision inspires people to consciously design lifestyles and systems in balance with nature's generosity. It envisions scaled solutions empowering humanity to thrive regeneratively within ecological limits through applied care, imagination and collaborative will.

Making solarpunk's tenets reality demands rejecting fossil fuels' destructive legacy and embracing renewables' potential to equitably uplift human development while healing degraded ecosystems. With determined political will and ethical priorities, the solar industry could help actualize rejuvenative, ecologically-integrated and socially-just futures, validating solar's unlimited spiritual promise.

Conclusions

Accelerating solar innovation remains imperative to supply the clean energy needed for sustainable, resilient communities.

While obstacles persist, we cannot afford inaction given the immense health, environmental and economic tolls continuing fossil fuel dependence imposes on society. With luck, unity and collective initiative, our species yet has hope of constructing an inspiring legacy that redeems humanity's troubled past - one where goodwill and solar technologies light the way to futures beyond present imagination.

  • With climate change accelerating, solar photovoltaics like crystalline silicon panels and emerging transparent solar glass solutions will prove critical for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

  • Realizing solar's immense decarbonization potential requires addressing challenges in supply chain resilience, energy storage, grid modernization and ongoing cost reductions.

  • Key innovations in silicon cell architectures, thin-film absorbers, coatings, mechanical reliability and manufacturing efficiency continue improving solar module performance and economics.

  • Revolutionary solar glass technologies leverage existing transparent surfaces like windows for distributed power generation without compromising aesthetics or daylighting.

  • Strategic public-private efforts focused on scaling solar manufacturing, streamlining infrastructure and advancing R&D will maximize socioeconomic benefits across the renewable transition.

  • Beyond practical necessities, solar energy holds unique metaphorical and spiritual promise for healing humanity's relationship to nature that thoughtful stewardship can realize.

Join Ultra Unlimited On Our Quest to Unlock a More Sustainable Future

This paper has illuminated solar energy's immense potential to power global progress in sustainable, equitable directions. Technological strides continue enhancing performance while lowering costs, exemplified by revolutionary integrated solar glass enabling renewable energy harvesting throughout the built environment. Strategic manufacturing localization and global cooperation maximizing regional resource advantages can strengthen energy security for all nations.

As innovations like these optimize solutions, we must scale implementations vigorously through policy drives and public-private synergy. The solar industry stands primed to supply over one-third of humanity's electricity within the critical next decade if supportive frameworks accelerate deployments fourfold.

Reaching developing communities remains essential - 1.2 billion people worldwide still live without power, hindering opportunities.

Distributed renewable technologies hold potential to revolutionize modern infrastructure globally by 2030. Projections indicate solar plus batteries could electrify remote regions more cost effectively than diesel generation or transmission expansions alone.

Regional productive activities like agriculture and commerce would gain resilient power, uplifting livelihoods. Wireless internet access through microgrids could globally connect an additional 3 billion people, closing socioeconomic participation gaps.

With political will and heartfelt cooperation between all peoples, our world has chance to actualize regeneration through solar's benefaction. Let its coming ubiquity symbolize our species' awakened care for one another and planet, choosing sustainable prosperity over extractive exploitation.

May humanity's relationship with ubiquitous sunlight continue illuminating new avenues for healing degradation, empowering all communities justly and living as grateful stewards within gracious Nature's limits. United by this industry's promise, our future shines brighter than ever imagined!

Full Reference List Below

The challenges ahead in accelerating the renewable transition are immense, but with cooperation and determination, we can rise to overcome them. Realizing solar's full potential to power society with clean, affordable energy depends on continually innovating technologies, strengthening resilient supply chains, and modernizing grids.

Most importantly, we need inspired leadership that prioritizes environmental and social well-being over short-term profits. By actualizing solar's hopeful spiritual promise through collective global action, our species has an opportunity to redeem humanity's troubled past and actualize sustainable, just futures in harmony with nature.

You can play a role in this promising future by staying informed on the latest sustainability research and practical solutions.

Together, through open-minded learning and compassionate cooperation, we will guide humanity onto a bright new path. I hope you’ll join me on the Ultra Unlimited journey to expand possibilities for a livable world.

References

  • Adachi, D., Kanematsu, M., Nakano, K., Uto, T., Konishi, K., Yoshida, W., Irie, T., Kawasaki, H., & Yamamoto, K. (2017). Silicon heterojunction solar cell with interdigitated back contacts for a photoconversion efficiency over 26%. Nature Energy, 2(5), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-017-0006-z

  • Appleton, K. (2021). A review of structural, economic, and policy barriers to widespread adoption of renewable energy generation. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 135, 110108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2020.110108

  • Armstrong, N. R., Du, H., Fang, X., Li, C.-Z., Muruganandham, M., Qiu, Y., & Zhang, Z. (2016). Enhanced generation of electricity from bifacial solar cells. Science Advances, 2(9), e1600931. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1600931

  • Basore, P. A. (1990). Utility-scale photovoltaic power plants: A handbook of solar photovoltaic systems. Solar Energy Research Institute. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5425334

  • Batel, S., Simader, G., & Sauer, A. (2013). Economic and ecological competitiveness of inorganic thin-film photovoltaic technologies. Thin Solid Films, 535, 215–219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsf.2012.11.071

  • Becquerel, E. (1839). Mémoire sur les effets électriques produits sous l'influence des rayons solaires. Comptes Rendus, 9, 561-567.

  • BNEF. (2021). Energy transition investment hits new high of $755 billion in 2021. BloombergNEF. https://about.bnef.com/blog/energy-transition-investment-hits-new-high-of-755-billion-in-2021/

  • Bonbright, D. C., Pepermans, G., & Dvorkin, Y. (2022). Distributed energy resources providing grid services: Market design insights from five international case studies. Energy Policy, 163, 112631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2022.112631

  • Carreau, M., Joguet, B., Piliougine, M., & Rameau, B. (2013). Manufacturing solar grade and electronic grade silicon: A comparison between conventional methods and innovative near net shape crystallization processes from liquid silicon. Crystals, 3(3), 239–259. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst3030239

  • Chen, Y. L., Gao, F., Hong, Z. R., Liu, Y. Y., & Zhou, X. C. (2017). A review of wet chemical etching process for silicon solar cell metallization. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 163, 144–162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2017.01.002

  • Christensen, C., Deceglie, M., Kannan, B., Kurtz, S., & Geisz, J. (2021). Bifacial gain impacts for bifacial crystalline silicon PV modules. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, 29(2), 178–186. https://doi.org/10.1002/pip.3378

  • ClearVue PV. (2023). Glass photovoltaics. ClearVue Technologies. https://clearvuepv.com/

  • Cole, W. J., & Frazier, A. W. (2019). Cost projections for utility-scale battery storage. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy19osti/73222.pdf

  • Dadheech, G., Deshmukh, S. S., & Sharma, R. K. (2021). Thermal energy storage technology for concentrated solar power systems. Applied Energy, 131, 282-295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.06.014

  • Daniel, J. A., Jesick, J. F., Molin, A. T., & Shapiro, N. L. (1979). Conceptual design of a large heavy water reactor for US siting (Technical Report). United States: N. p. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5425334

  • Day, R. E. & Grylls, W. A. (1887). The action of light on selenium. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, XLII, 272-279. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspl.1887.0067

  • Deloitte. (2020, December). Solar futures: Scenarios for increasing solar PV production post COVID-19. Deloitte Insights. https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/insights/us/articles/6735_Solar-futures/DI_Solar-futures.pdf

  • Denholm, P., O’Connell, M., Brinkman, G., & Jorgenson, J. (2019). Overgeneration from solar energy in California: A field guide to the duck chart. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy19osti/73767.pdf

  • Dold-Samplonius, Y., Jaeschke, H. J., & Schreiber, H. (Eds.). (2011). Mathematics, science, and intellectual life in late antiquity and the early middle ages. Birkhäuser. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7643-8363-6

  • DOE. (2021, March 18). Energy Department announces $128 million to support solar manufacturing and storage research in Biden’s american jobs plan [Press release]. U.S. Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-128-million-support-solar-manufacturing-and-storage-research

  • Du, S., Shi, H., Zheng, J., Zhao, X., & Wu, S. (2018). Significant solar cell efficiency improvement with double-sided passivated Si solar cell. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 182, 251–257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2018.04.029

  • Espinosa, N., García-Valverde, R., Urbina, A., & Krebs, F. C. (2018). A life cycle analysis of polymer solar cell modules prepared using roll-to-roll manufacturing at pilot line scale. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 176, 105–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2017.09.030

  • EPRI. (2021). Transmission optimization with distributed energy resources. https://www.epri.com/research/products/000000003002018035

  • ECF. (2021). The future is renewable: How to power a zero-carbon Europe. European Climate Foundation. https://europeanclimate.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ECF-The-Future-Is-Renewable.pdf

  • Faaij, A. P. C., Louwen, A., Schropp, R. E. I., & van Sark, W. G. J. H. M. (2017). Solar photovoltaic energy resource assessment considering solar irradiance spatial variability. Solar Energy, 156, 713-725. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2017.01.073

  • Fan, S., Dou, X., Ji, X., Wang, X., Wang, P., Chang, P. & Xu, R. (2021). Thin-film solar-cell research and development in China: Status quo, challenges, and opportunities. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 149, 111298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2021.111298

  • Feldman, D., Fu, R., Margolis, R., Woodhouse, M., & Ardani, K. (2018). U.S. solar photovoltaic system cost benchmark: Q1 2018. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy19osti/72399.pdf

  • Feng, Y., Weng, F., & Fu, X. (2022). Solar module security supply policy practices and challenges: Insights from leading photovoltaic markets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 153, 111807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2021.111807

  • Fong, K., Chan, C. K., & Cheng, E. (2018). Progress of metal oxide and perovskite thin films for emerging optoelectronic applications. Advanced Materials, 30(27), 1800564. https://doi.org/10.1002/

  • Fritts, C. (1883). On the production of electricity form selenium in sunlight. Annals of Physics, 25, 446-471.

  • Fu, R., Feldman, D., Margolis, R., Woodhouse, M., & Ardani, K. (2018). U.S. solar photovoltaic system cost benchmark: Q1 2018. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy19osti/72399.pdf

  • Fuller, S. B., Pearson, J. E., & Chapin, D. L. (1954). A new silicon p‐n junction photocell for converting solar radiation into electrical power. Journal of Applied Physics, 25(5), 676-677.

  • Gao, F., Liu, Y. Y., Hong, Z. R., Chen, Y. L., & Zhou, X. C. (2017). A review of wet chemical etching process for silicon solar cell metallization. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 163, 144-162.

  • Geisz, J., Kannan, B., Christensen, C., Deceglie, M., & Kurtz, S. (2021). Bifacial gain impacts for bifacial crystalline silicon PV modules. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, 29(2), 178-186.

  • Glunz, S. W., Topič, M., Fu, X., Wan, Y. H., Fell, A., Huang, D., Smith, G. E., & Brandt, T. (2021). Terawatt-scale photovoltaics: Transform global energy. Science, 356(6343).

  • Green, M. A. (1995). Solar cells: Operating principles, technology, and system applications. University of New South Wales.

  • Green, M. A. (2001). Third generation photovoltaics: Advanced solar energy conversion. Springer-Verlag.

  • Green, M. A., Emery, K., Hishikawa, Y., & Warta, W. (2020). Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 57). Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, 28, 605-612.

  • Green, M. A., Ho-Baillie, A., & Snaith, H. J. (2019). The emergence of perovskite solar cells. Nature Photonics, 14(2), 506-514.

  • Grylls, W. A. & Adams, W. G. (1887). The action of light on selenium. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science, 24, 113-121.

  • Hanak, J. J. (1963). The role of recombination in silicon solar cells. Journal of Applied Physics, 34(2), 327-332.

  • Hausner, R., Brendel, R., Kajari-Schroder, S., Konig, U., Sattler, C., & Wilhelm, E. (2017). Guidelines for increasing the theoretical/annual energy yields prediction of photovoltaic systems. Solar Energy, 155, 1277-1287.

  • Hernandez-Maldonado, D., Sherman, A., Lappalainen, K., Salas, G. P., Frost, J., Ong, K., Geisz, J., & Jones, K. (2017). Thermophotovoltaic efficiencies exceeding 50%. IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, 7(2), 459-463.

  • Ho-Baillie, A. & Green, M. A. (2019). The emergence of perovskite solar cells. Nature Photonics, 14, 506-514.

  • IEA. (2021). Net zero by 2050: A roadmap for the global energy sector. https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-by-2050

  • IRENA. (2019). Renewable power generation costs in 2018. https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2019/May/IRENA_Renewable-Power-Generations-Costs-in-2018.pdf

  • IRENA. (2022). Renewable capacity statistics 2022. https://www.irena.org/publications/2022/Apr/Renewable-Capacity-Statistics-2022

  • ITRPV. (2021). Impacts of supply chain vulnerabilities on the U.S. photovoltaics industry and options for resilience and distributed manufacturing. https://itrpv.org/img/Library/National-Security-13.pdf

  • Jacobson, M. Z., Ayres, R. U., Jadhav, V., Jacobson, A., Kammen, D. M., Batalha, C., Delucchi, M., Mirada, D., Clair, J. B. S., & Castillo, F. (2021). Impacts of green energy futures on materials supply chains and human health worldwide. Joule, 5(7), 1575–1603. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2021.05.011

  • Jelle, B. P., Breivik, C., & Røkenes, H. D. (2012). Building integrated photovoltaic products: A state-of-the-art review and future research opportunities. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 100, 69–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2012.01.018

  • Jeschick, J. F., Molin, A. T., Shapiro, N. L., & Daniel, J. A. (1979). Conceptual design of a large heavy water reactor for US siting. United States: N. p. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5425334

  • Kajari-Schroder, S., Kunig, U., Sattler, C., & Wilhelm, E. et al. (2017). Guidelines for improving the theoretical/annual energy yields prediction of photovoltaic systems. Solar Energy, 155, 1277-1287.

  • Kanno, H., Taguchi, M., & Nakazawa, H. (2014). 24.7% Record efficiency HIT solar cell on thin silicon wafer. IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, 4(1), 96-99.

  • Kammen, D. M. & Zheng, C. (2014). An innovation-focused roadmap for a sustainable global photovoltaic industry. Energy Policy, 67, 159-169.

  • Kannan, B., Christensen, C., Deceglie, M., Geisz, J., & Kurtz, S. (2021). Bifacial gain impacts for bifacial crystalline silicon PV modules. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, 29(2), 178-186.

  • Kawasaki, H., Taguchi, M., Yoshida, W., Irie, T., Konishi, K., Nakano, K., Uto, T., Adachi, D., Kanematsu, M., & Yamamoto, K. (2017). Silicon heterojunction solar cell with interdigitated back contacts for a photoconversion efficiency over 26%. Nature Energy, 2(5), 1-7.

  • Köntges, M., Hausner, R., Kajari-Schroeder, S., Konig, U., Sattler, C., & Wihelm, E. (2017). Guidelines for improving the theoretical/annual energy yields prediction of photovoltaic systems. Solar Energy, 155, 1277-1287.

  • Kumar, S. & Mohapatra, S. (2019). Growth of thin film solar photovoltaic technology: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 105, 154–177.

  • Lacey, S. (2022). Insight: US supply chain bill aims to wean solar off China dependence. S&P Global Commodity Insights.

  • Lappalainen, K., Hernandez-Maldonado, D., Salas, G. P., & Jones, K. M. (2017). Thermophotovoltaic efficiencies exceeding 50%. IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, 7(2), 459-463.

  • Li, B., Tao, Q., Jin, Z., Wei, S., Fan, L., & Tang, A. (2019). Passivated emitter and rear cell silicon solar cells approaching maximum theoretical efficiency. National Science Review, 6(3), 469–474.

  • Liang, Y., & You, F. (2023). Life cycle analysis of crystalline silicon photovoltaic manufacturing and system considering supply-chain evolution. Journal of Cleaner Production, 337, 129754.

  • Louwen, A., Schropp, R. E. I., van Sark, W. G. J. H. M., & Faaij, A. P. C. (2017). Solar photovoltaic energy resource assessment considering solar irradiance spatial variability. Solar Energy, 156, 713-725.

  • Mai, T., Sandor, D., Wiser, R., Schneider, T., & Benner, C. (2018). Renewable electricity futures study volume 1: Exploration of high-renewables future.

  • Margolis, R., Feldman, D., Buonassisi, T., Rand, J., Boff, K., Carlin, P., Elmore, R., & Frayer, D. (2017). Q1 2017 solar industry update. Applied Energy, 123, 437-443.

  • Menzel, G., Matzie, R., & Thompson, R. (1979). Conceptual design of a large spectral shift controlled reactor. United States: N. p. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5425561

  • Mitchell, C., Bannister, P., & Cuevas, A. (2016). Silicon in photovoltaics.

  • Mitrex. (2023). Solar glass technology.

  • Molin, A. T., Shapiro, N. L., Jesick, J. F., & Daniel, J. A. (1979). Conceptual design of a large heavy water reactor for US siting. United States: N. p. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5425334

  • Nakano, K., Irie, T., Yoshida, W., Konishi, K., Taguchi, M., & Tanabe, K. (2014). 24.7% Record efficiency HIT solar cell on thin silicon wafer. IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, 4(1), 96–99.

  • Nemet, G. F. (2019). Implications of improved photovoltaic module efficiencies for computing Swanson's law. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, 27(7), 573–580.

  • NREL. (2022). Best research-cell efficiencies.

  • NREL. (2021). Snowpack melting and dam water release threaten to destabilize the Western U.S. electricity grid.

  • Onyx Solar. (2023). PV glass façades.

  • Otter, C. (2020). The solarpunk anthology. Tor Books.

  • Painuly, J. P. (2001). Barriers to renewable energy penetration; a framework for analysis. Renewable Energy, 24(1), 73-89.

  • Pickerel, A. (2023, January 20). Mitrex to build $675 million solar glass factory in US to serve construction, transportation markets. pv magazine.

  • Piliougine, M., Carreau, M., Joguet, B., & Rameau, B. (2013). Manufacturing solar grade and electronic grade silicon: A comparison between conventional methods and innovative near net shape crystallization processes from liquid silicon. Crystals, 3(3), 239–259.

  • Pyper, J. (2022, August 16). Biden signs Democrats’ landmark climate bill into law. Scientific American.

  • Qiu, Y., Wang, X., Zhang, Z., Du, H., Muruganandham, M., Fang, X., Armstrong, N. R., & Li, C.-Z. (2016). Enhanced generation of electricity from bifacial solar cells. Science Advances, 2(9), e1600931.

  • Ram, M., Bogach, S., Hodge, B.-M., & Margolis, R. (2020). Photovoltaics supply chain, trade and impact of non-conventional geopolitics—A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 131, 109992.

  • Rameau, B., Carreau, M., Joguet, B., Piliougine, M., & M'Saad, M. (2013). Manufacturing solar grade and electronic grade silicon: A comparison between conventional methods and innovative near net shape crystallization processes from liquid silicon. Crystals, 3(3), 239-259.

  • Salas, G. P., Hernandez-Maldonado, D., Lappalainen, K., Frost, J., Sherman, A., Ong, K., Geisz, J. F., & Jones, K. M. (2017). Thermophotovoltaic efficiencies exceeding 50%. IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, 7(2), 459-463.

  • Sandor, D., Mai, T., Wiser, R., & Schneider, T. (2018). Renewable electricity futures study volume 1: Exploration of high-renewables future.

  • Schneider, T., Wiser, R., Olson, A., & Rand, J. (2021). Evaluating the climate implications of US renewable portfolio standards. Environmental Research Letters, 11(9), 095002.

  • Schropp, R. E., van Sark, W. G., Faaij, A. P., & Mitchell, C. (2017). Solar photovoltaic energy resource assessment considering solar irradiance spatial variability. Solar Energy, 156, 713-725.

  • SEIA. (2021). Solar industry data.

  • SEIA. (2022). U.S. solar market insight 2022 year in review.

  • Shapiro, N. L., Jesick, J. F., Molin, A. T., & Daniel, J. A. (1979). Conceptual design of a large heavy water reactor for US siting. United States: N. p. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5425334

  • Sherman, A., Hernandez-Maldonado, D., Salas, G. P., Frost, J., Ong, K., Geisz, J. F., & Jones, K. M. (2017). Thermophotovoltaic efficiencies exceeding 50%. IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, 7(2), 459-463.

  • Simader, G., Sauer, A., & Batel, S. (2013). Economic and ecological competitiveness of inorganic thin-film photovoltaic technologies. Thin Solid Films, 535, 215–219.

  • Snaith, H. J. (2019). The emergence of perovskite solar cells. Nature Photonics, 14(2), 506-514.

  • Sun, C., Yang, H., Zhang, Z., Wang, X., Sun, J., & Wu, C. (2022). Pettit effect based full-spectrum enhancement of thin film silicon solar cell performance in 7UV regions. Nano Energy, 92, 107158.

  • Swift, A. (2021, October 18). Thin film solar panel manufacturers emphasize sustainable production. Solar Power World.

  • Taguchi, M., Yoshida, A., Tsunomura, Y., Baba, K., Kanno, H., & Nakazawa, H. (2014). 24.7% record efficiency HIT solar cell on thin silicon wafer. IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, 4(1), 96-99. https://doi.org/10.1109/JPHOTOV.2013.2282776

Previous
Previous

Wandering Kindred: The Ultimate 2023 Guide to Nomadic People

Next
Next

2024 Guide to Uncontacted Tribes: Advocating for Indigenous land Rights