Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Jordan
A number of labs are working on various methods of solving these issues, including providing a coolant behind the cell that can provide heat for a solar water heater, and different designs and chemical bases designed to convert more of the light spectrum (including UV and IR). I used one of the ideas in Chasing The Light, essentially a "nano-antenna" designed to convert IR to electric power.
I expect a hybrid of compositions and configurations will eventually make solar cells much more efficient, perhaps 50% or more... and if mass-production can bring costs down, make them affordable for just about any home.
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If we can get them up to at least 15% efficency, and total cost cheaper on a 10 year amortization than current electricity bills, the market will explode. At least in the US southwest. The net efficency is very important, as a typical house only has so much rooftop to work with. Since this is economic waste space, loading it up with solar panels is one of those "no regret" changes. But only when it becomes cheap enough to do so...