40.8%!

[billvon 2,738]

Solar-PV conversion efficiency is now at 40.8% max! This is considerably higher than the previous record (36%) and is about twice that of commercial panels (whose cells run around 20% efficiency.) At these levels of efficiency, you could get around 400 watts for every square meter of panel in the noon sun.

Since these are made of fairly exotic materials, they will probably be used primarily for space-based cells. Terrestrially they may find usage in concentrators, where a large lens focuses light onto a very small (and therefore cheap) PV cell.

http://www.nrel.gov/news/press/2008/625.html

[nerdgirl 0]

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Solar-PV conversion efficiency is now at 40.8% max!

Very nice!

Act as if everything you do matters, while laughing at yourself for thinking anything you do matters.
Tibetan Buddhist saying

[BGill 0]

I was reading about that. Very great progress, indeed!

Being a solar user yourself, you also might find this new site interesting if you haven't seen it already. RoofRay allows users to map their home/business/whatever's roof space and calculate their roof's solar potential.

Hopefully sites like these and better technology will convince more people to go solar.

[SpeedRacer 1]

How can I get the Google Earth people to improve their resolution in my neighborhood?

Speed Racer
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[simplyputsi 0]

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How can I get the Google Earth people to improve their resolution in my neighborhood?

move

Skymama's #2 stalker -

[riddler 0]

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Since these are made of fairly exotic materials

Not only that, but for efficiencies this high, there are typically a few layers, including smaller concentrators at the top level. Still, a noteable achievement. NREL (formerly SERI) has been the beneficiary of significant financial infusions lately, and I expect to see some really cool things coming from Golden, CO.

Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD