QD Solar

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  size of quantum dots

Inspiration

Clean energy is a must. While we have made strides in solar panel technology, the current implementation of them is inefficient.

What it does

Traditional solar cells struggle with efficiency due to limited sunlight use. Quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs) capture more sunlight by specializing in different colors. QD Solar uses technology from NASA’s LAR-TOPS-112, QDSCs turn sunlight into electricity cleverly. They are made from safe materials and are versatile; we could turn windows into solar panels.!

How we built it

NASA’s sensor IP and advancements in the usage of quantum dots for x-ray sensors inspired us to think beyond and see the magnificent potential in nanotechnology.

Challenges we ran into

As high school students, we did not have too much information about the event beforehand. We only realized the submission requirements on day 1. In the next 24 hours, we had to not only learn what a technical paper was, but how to write one. It required hours of teamwork and intensive collaboration. During this time, we considered if we had taken on too much effort, but through our perseverance, we are proud to share the QD Solar!

What we learned

Through this project, we deepened our understanding of quantum dot technology, solar cell fabrication, and the complexities of integrating novel materials into existing systems. We also gained valuable insights into overcoming challenges associated with cutting-edge technology.

What's next for QD Solar

In the future, we plan to conduct further research and development to optimize the QD Solar system for commercial applications. This includes exploring scalable manufacturing processes, conducting performance testing, and seeking partnerships for widespread adoption and integration into renewable energy infrastructures.

Built With

• nanotechnology
• quantum-dots
• solar-energy