Shell innovating the next generation of solar energy solutions

Shell is one of the global giant oil companies investing in renewable energy sources including solar energy. Solar energy is still regarded by many as still too expensive to be a viable widespread electricity source.

Shell appears to have put research focus on one major goal: driving down cost. Shell has pioneered CIS (copper indium diselenide), a new generation of solar technology.

Copper, indium and selenium particles are coated onto a glass sheet in layers 20 times thinner than a human hair, and are heated to form a compound that converts the power of the sun into electricity for consumers. CIS solar modules use 100 times less raw material in the electricity producing layer than their crystalline silicon counterparts.

Shell claims a lower material and manufacturing costs mean the CIS modules promises to be cheaper in high-volume production. They glass panels have a smooth black exterior, which makes them suitable for integration into walls and roofs of buildings.

The biggest European application to date is in Wales, a striking 85-kilowatt installation that forms an entire side of an innovation and business centre.

Shell and leading glass-maker Saint Gobain have formed a joint venture for largescale production and commercialisation of CIS solar technology.


Shak Gohir