Researchers Improve Solar Cell Performance

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."

Comments

Bullshit numbers, no facts to be found...

[evilviper]

increases the electrical power obtained from each solar cell "by a factor of over 40,"

Let's see... Cheap residential roof-top PV panels are about 12% efficient. 12*40 would give us... 500% efficient solar panels!

High-end solar panels used by satellites are nearly 40% efficient. I'm sure NASA would love to get their hands on 1,600% efficient solar panels, too.

Next time, wait until there's a REAL article on the tech, not a completely information-free and bullshit press release.