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Researchers Improve Solar Cell Performance

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the it's-the-mirrors dept.

Vegematic writes "Researchers at MIT have improved solar collectors using dyes. They just increased their performance results by a factor of 4. These paint-on materials can increase the power obtained from existing solar cells by a factor of over 40 without needing to track the sun. 'By collecting light over their full surface and concentrating it at their edges, these devices reduce the required area of solar cells and consequently, the cost of solar power. Stacking multiple concentrators allows the optimization of solar cells at each wavelength, increasing the overall power output.' There is also a shorter FAQ available."

3 of 292 comments (clear)

  1. Oh, Is It That Time Again? by Atomm · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You know, when they post another story about the incredible discoveries in solar power that seem to never actually make it to those of us who would be interested if it was cheaper and more efficient..... Show me a company that is already selling this stuff and then I'll be interested.

    --
    RTFG - Read The F#$%ing Google!
    1. Re:Oh, Is It That Time Again? by Unending · · Score: 5, Insightful

      the truth is the energy crisis *is* solvable, but the bureaucracy responsible doesn't have any incentive to implement the solutions.

    2. Re:Oh, Is It That Time Again? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Um, if you were paying attention, there's another announcement from some company about their revolutionary increases in solar efficiency every couple of months. They're always 'hopeful' it will be in production 'in a few of years'. It never quite manages to materialize. That is what GP is bitching about (quite justifiably).