Quantum Dots Could Double Solar PV Efficiency

NREL announcead that researchers led by Arthur Nozik have shown that nanotechnology may greatly increase the amount of electricity produced by solar cells.

"We have shown that solar cells based on quantum dots theoretically could convert more than 65 percent of the sun's energy into electricity, approximately doubling the efficiency of solar cells," Nozik said. The best cells today convert about 33 percent of the sun's energy into electricity.

The research demonstrates the potential for solar, or photovoltaic cells that reduce wasteful heat and maximize the amount of the sun's energy that is converted to electricity—a key step toward making solar energy more cost-competitive with conventional power sources.

Maybe this is the breakthrough that will make photovoltaics economical for widespread use.

Technocrati tag: solar photovoltaic