Artificial System Models Light-Capturing Method Used by Deep-Sea Bacteria
Hoping to find a more efficient light-harvesting process, MIT scientists analyzed an artificial system that uses a self-assembling system of dye molecules that form perfectly…
Solar Cells
Nano-Sandwich Design Results in Slimmer Solar Cells with Decreased Costs
Using a “nanoscale sandwich” design with an ultra-thin active layer, scientists at NC State University have developed a technique to create slimmer thin-film solar cells…
All-Carbon Photovoltaic Cell to Harness Infrared Light
Using carbon nanotubes and C60, scientists at MIT developed the first all-carbon photovoltaic cell, a new kind of solar cell that could tap into solar…
Textured Surface Maintains Efficiency and Reduces Thickness of Silicon Solar Cells
By using a pattern of tiny inverted pyramids etched into the surface of silicon, engineers at MIT found a new technique for building silicon solar…
GaInP Cells Produce Useful Underwater Solar Energy
New research from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory shows that high-quality gallium indium phosphide (GaInP) cells produce useful solar power underwater, with initial results at…
Nanowires Covered in Nanoparticles Boost Performance
By “decorating” nanowires with nanoparticles, engineers at Stanford University were able to greatly improve surface area, resulting in increased electrical and catalytic performance. The hope…
Increasing Solar Cell Efficiency with Graphene
In an effort to increase solar cell efficiency, scientists at Michigan Technological University are working on a cost effective method that adds graphene to titanium…
LED Styled Solar Cell Breaks Efficiency Record
Solar cell technology continues to advance and new research from the University of California, Berkeley demonstrates a new record breaking technique. Designed to be more…
Photochemical Upconversion Adds “Turbo” to Solar Cell Efficiency
By using photochemical upconversion, researchers from the University of Sidney have developed a “turbo for solar cells” that allows for record-breaking efficiency in cost effective…
New Metamaterial Design Extremely Efficient at Capturing Light
Based on computer simulations, new research shows that a new metamaterial design is able to absorb a wide range of light with extremely high efficiency….
Teaming Up to Slash Solar Cell Cost
Solar start-up company Ampuse has teamed up with NREL and ORNL to reduce the cost of solar cells through the use of a new manufacturing…
Polymer Solar Cell Efficiency Improved with Infrared-Absorbing Polymer
Improvements in polymer solar cell technology continues as a new report documents the highest independently measured efficiency for a polymer solar cell, 10.6+/-0.3% with respect…
Researchers Develop IE2 for Analyzing Solar Cell Materials
A team of researchers believe they have developed a more efficient way to make a silicon solar cell. Using the free online tool “Impurities to…