Science and Technology
Context: Recently researchers of IIT Kanpur have developed organic solar cell which can convert a steel roof into an energy-producing device. It was supported by fundings from Department of science and technology (DST) under DST-RCUK APEX project.
About Organic solar cells:
- Organic solar cell consisting of combination of organic polymer PTB7 a donor and PCBM (an organic semiconductor) as an acceptor.
- It is a third-generation solar technology.
- Benefits:
- Higher optical transmission as compared to only metallic electrodes
- Device with multilayer electrodes showed improved photovoltaic performance by 1.5 times compared to single-layer top metal electrodes of gold.
- Organic solar cells can be integrated onto flexible and conformal surfaces like steel.
- However, this requires new, transparent conducting electrodes that are more durable and have better optoelectronic efficiency than the indium tin oxide currently used.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Questions
Q.1) With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements:
- Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps,
- Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2020)
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Q.2) The term ‘Domestic Content Requirement’ is sometimes seen in the news with reference to (2017)
- Developing solar power production in our country
- Granting licences to foreign T.V. channels in our country
- Exporting our food products to other countries
- Permitting foreign educational institutions to set up their campuses in our country
