
Jinsong Huang, the Louis D. Rubin Jr. Distinguished Professor in the Department of Applied Physical Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, on the current state of solar energy
Jinsong Huang’s lab is housed in Carolina’s applied physical sciences department, where scientists and engineers come together to solve real-world problems. The problem driving Huang’s research team is how to make solar energy more efficient and cost-effective.
Huang believes the material perovskite could be an important part of the answer. Perovskite has been studied for years and has the potential to make solar cells far cheaper than the silicon-based solar cells that currently dominate the market. While the production of silicon has many expensive, time-consuming steps, producing perovskite is simple and easily scalable, comparable to the process of printing newspapers.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about solar energy?
HUANG: It’s actually the answer to a question my own children recently asked – why don’t we just put solar panels on every roof and switch to solar energy?
The reason is because solar energy is currently very expensive. If fossil fuels remain cheaper than using solar cells, people will continue to use fossil fuels.
There are significant whole-system costs to consider. Having solar panels installed is expensive and, since roofs have to be replaced about every 20 years, it’s a recurring cost. Solar panels need regular maintenance, because if dust and other things collect on the panels they block the sun and make the panels less effective. Homes and other buildings that have solar panels installed also have to be converted to high-voltage energy and have the electrical wiring re-done.
Thankfully, there are researchers working to improve all aspects of solar energy. My team is focused on making solar cells more affordable, longer-lasting and more effective at converting sunlight to electricity.
I’m really excited about some of the other solar energy technologies that are being developed by the company Perotech, which has partnered with my lab. Perovskite is a very flexible material that can be folded like a sheet of paper, so it can be carried in a bag on the go, it can be worn on the outside of a backpack and then used to charge a cell phone, used on top of a tent to power lights and other electricity within the tent, or even used to power a car.
And we’re studying other potential applications for perovskite, too, including its use in X-ray diagnostics. X-rays damage human tissue and must be done sparingly to minimize carcinogenic effects. Perovskite could potentially make X-ray detectors more sensitive, allowing X-ray machines to use lower, safer levels of radiation.
Distinguished and named professorships support renowned scholars and propel research at Carolina. These privately funded endowments help attract and retain the academic leaders of today, ensuring a state-of-the-art education for all Tar Heels.
As told to Audrey Smith
Photo by Sarah Daniels, Innovate Carolina
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