IBM and TOK team up on solar energy
IBM is teaming up with Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Company (TOK), a Japanese semiconductor-equipment company, to commercialize solar-energy technology. This technology is being developed and will include producing thin-film photovoltaic solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity. IBM expects to license and distribute the technology according to a Wall Street Journal article.
IBM will leverage their cell making knowledge while TOK will add its technology used in the semiconductor industry and for coating LCD panels, according to a recent Reuters article. Other large technology companies are also exploring alternative energy technologies, whether with financial support or technical expertise.
Photovoltaic solar products turn sunlight into electricity without releasing chemicals to pollute the air. Current energy sources include coal, oil, and nuclear, all of which produce pollutants; solar is intriguing to many investors because it’s a clean way to harness a natural energy source. Commercializing solar energy will decrease the cost of clean energy. As the cost of renewable, clean energy sources falls, more individuals and businesses will find it easy to go green.
IBM and TOK are looking to experiment to try making solar modules able to convert more of the sun’s rays into electricity. As an IBM press release explains, “IBM Research has developed new, non-vacuum, solution-based manufacturing processes for [copper-indium-gallium-selenide] CIGS solar cells and is targeting efficiencies around 15% and higher. Current thin film product efficiencies vary from around 6% to less than 12%.” If the companies can find a way to do this, it will be able to help the overall effect of solar energy on the environment. Solar energy will be much more efficient.
The companies also want to make the price of solar power competitive with traditional energy sources such as coal, oil, and nuclear energy. “I think that if we can get to a module cost of less than $1 per watt, and be able to keep a handle on the system cost…photovoltaics still need roughly a 2 (times efficiency) improvement,” said IBM Research’s Supratik Guha in a press release.
No matter how much solar technology costs, it is a good idea for companies to take part in its development. Now with IBM and TOK trying to make this type of energy more affordable, the implementation of solar energy is not only good for the environment but for businesses as well. Solar energy can be play an important role in helping make the businesses “greener” in the future.
By Chris White