It produces electric power with less than half the fuel and CO2 emissions of central power plants. When you generate electric power in this way, you have to control the light spectrum that hits the photovoltaic cells. Light goes from the emitter to a filter, with a narrow band going to the cells. A lot of work is being put into optimizing the filter, Butcher said. In testing to date, the system is producing a few watts per square centimeter.
Researchers expect to greatly increase that.
Improvements being developed include a 4 to 1 concentrating prism. Save Energy Bard College Is Committed to Geothermal To Cut Energy Costs, Demand, and Usage Gas Co. By To Visit. To Help California Reduce Peak Demand, Energy Costs and Rolling Blackouts.