Cheaper Solar Energy?

Science Daily reports on a discovery made by a team of researchers from University of Exeter in which they found a new material to use when creating devices to convert/harness solar energy. According to the article, solar energy has become more popular and prevalent since the search for alternative enrgy sources and attempts to curb carbon dioxide emissions came into play. Unfortunately, most methods and materials for generating solar energy have been costly--until now.

The experts have discovered that a mineral called perovskite could be a cheaper alternative to other methods. Most of what the article shares is that the researchers have tested perovskite devices all over the world in a variety of climates to see how efficiently it harnesses solar energy, and the results seem promising. The goal is to better understand how it works and how it might play out in solar farm situations (widescale solar energy farming). It doesn't go into detail about how the devices work or when we might expect to see perovskite devices out and about, but the article seems generally optimistic. With all of this new research going in to alternative energy sources (this, wave energy, etc), it's hard not to feel somewhat hopeful. If these individuals can start this progress, all that needs to happen is for it to spread, until the devices are up and running!

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150123110750.htm