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[SolarGuy]

The scarce resource of silicon is the main semiconductor for most monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film solar panels. It's the second most abundant element on this planet, but of course it can't be used forever.

An innovative company by the name of Nanosolar has looked far ahead into the future and is currently producing solar panels that are printed on a thin film with a special ink. Nanosolar raised over $300 million dollars, which is the largest amount for any solar start up. Some of the investors are company giants such as Google and IBM. The U.S. Department of Energy selects Nanosolar among a stiffly competitive field of applicants and awards $20 million to the company, the largest amount any company receives in the United States.

This technology is said to have 14.5% efficiency and is the lowest price for solar panels ever developed. The only downfall as of now is that it's only available commercially. It could be a couple years before this patented solar technology is available for residential consumers, however it gives you a look at what's coming our way.

Check out the company at http://www.nanosolar.com

I think this will be a huge leap for residential consumers to easily obtain cost efficient solar panels and within the next few years I believe you'll be seeing panels popping up everywhere. Especially with all of the available tax credits and incentives that come along with converting to alternative renewable resources. I signed up for the nanosolar newsletter and will keep my eyes peeled on the moves they make.

[Ladydusoleil]

do you know of a good place to get the thin film solar panels now? the nanosolar sounds great, but I'm looking for panels within the next few months. thanks!

[SolarGuy]

Hi Ladydusoleil and thanks for visiting.

I don't have thin film panels on my home, but I'm looking into purchasing them for other projects. I have been looking into a company called UniSolar for the panels. Check out their website at www.uni-solar.com You'll have to find a distributor and call them for more details.

If anyone else has any suggestions please post them as well.

Hope this helps!

[Ladydusoleil]

Ok great, thanks for the website link. I noticed there is a distributor pretty close to where I'm at so I will be contacting them.

[WiseWizard]

i bought my thin film solar panels from unisolar and had a great experience. i actually am much happier with thin film because I didn't have to put any holes in my roof, they just glue down.

[OpenAgenda]

i noticed that nanosolar only makes panels commercially, any idea when they will be available for residential homes?

[WiseWizard]

nanosolar hasn't given a date as to when they will provide to the residential market, but my guess would be a few years. When they do I'm sure there will be a year or two waiting list as well.

[Wattson]

Nanosolar is such an interesting company. I just saw the company in Times Magazine for "The 50 best inventions for 2008." I'm looking forward to what they will put out in the near future.

[MarineLiner]

Originally Posted by WiseWizard

i bought my thin film solar panels from unisolar and had a great experience. i actually am much happier with thin film because I didn't have to put any holes in my roof, they just glue down.

¤That's great.
Suppose we can see some pictures posted here.

[Off Grid Solar]

Nanosolar is on the right track. This should force the prices down for solar PV. I am sure in time the efficiency will be around 20%. Printing solar cells has to be faster and the energy used to print the solar cells has to be a lot less energy used in the silicon process. This alone should drop the prices of a watt. The only thing I question is how will it maintain power or produce power 10 years from now? Only time will tell.