Only two decades ago, energy generation from sunlight was too costly and inefficient to compete with conventional sources. The industry took a big step towards becoming a viable alternative with the invention of a simplified method for producing selective-emitter solar cells by German scientist Jörg Horzel, patented in 2004.
Countries with abundant sunshine, like Greece, stand to benefit from solar energy as the technology matures and proves to be viable and profitable. Investing in such renewable energy infrastructure can create jobs as well as cheaper energy whilst contributing to sustainable development.
Photovoltaic cells are made of silicon layers into which phosphorous has been melted to form a multitude of separate zones, either rich or poor in phosphorous. Until Horzel’s invention, the process was time consuming and required multiple stages to build-up the different zones on the silicon surface. Now the silicon layers can be made in a single step, radically reducing the time and cost for production.
Horzel’s invention has had a major impact: "selective emitter cells" based largely on the advances he pioneered are now used by around half of the world’s solar-cell producers.
While the sector is still coming to grips with issues such as over-production, Horzel’s cheaper production method can help create a bright future for the photovoltaic energy industry.
Read more about Jörg Horzel and his invention, and view a short explanatory film, here: