80% Improvement In Solar Cell Efficiency

An anonymous reader writes "Chemistry researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory say they've improved the efficiency of typical solar cells by a whopping 80% by creating a 3-D nanocone-based solar cell platform. The technology tackles the problem of poor transport of charges generated by solar photons. These charges — 'negative electrons and positive holes' — typically become trapped by defects in bulk materials and degrade performance. 'We designed the three-dimensional structure to provide an intrinsic electric field distribution that promotes efficient charge transport and high efficiency in converting energy from sunlight into electricity.' Bottom line, they say, is they've boosted the light-to-power conversion efficiency of photovoltaics by 80 percent."

Comments

Re:80% from what?

[Surt]

Actually, it does matter, because if you start from a less efficient process and go up, you may not exceed the efficiency of a more efficient process. So the amount you can 'get from a solar panel' may not change at all.

Which is, if you read the article, actually the case here.

Re:Boosted the efficiency of LOUSY solar cells

[MarcQuadra]

Don't be silly, we're right on the brink of a major breakthrough!

http://bravenewclimate.com/2011/04/25/npfb-1978/

The 'greenies' have ben 'Microsofting* us for decades now. It's time to do something for -now- and plan for -later- when the big breakthrough lands.

* Microsoft: verb; To announce a feature or product that negates the value of the most likely competitor, but never actually deliver the product. See als: Real Soon Now.