A new conversion efficiency world record for black silicon solar cells was recently set by researchers at the University of Aalto in Finland. The new record of 22.1% conversion efficiency marks a nearly 4% increase in efficiency — which was achieved by addressing (to some degree) one of the primary … [continued]
Researchers at Fraunhofer ISE of Germany and Aalto University of Finland have developed a black silicon solar cell that achieved 18.7% efficiency. This is the highest efficiency reported for a black silicon solar cell technology. 18.7% efficiency means a power-to-size ratio of 187 watts per square meter of these cells. 7,000 … [continued]
A significant breakthrough has been made in the light absorption and surface passivation abilities of silicon nano-structures (such as black silicon) by researchers at Aalto University in Finland. The improvements were made by the application of an atomic layer coating, which works to improve light absorption and to make it more … [continued]
Finding ways to reduce the reflectivity of silicon PV cells to near zero and produce them cheaply enough in commercial quantities is a big challenge. Natcore, working in partnership with NREL, believes they’re nearly there with their near-commercialization of black silicon solar cells. […]
Black-silicon solar cells with 18.2% efficiency have been created by researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). These don’t need extra anti-reflection layers (like typical solar cells do), which should help to significantly lower the cost of solar energy. The specially designed nanostructured surface ensures … [continued]
While conventional solar cells can absorb a good portion of the Sun’s light, they completely miss the boat on getting anything from the infrared spectrum. But black silicon solar cells are actually designed exactly for this. A group of researchers from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft institute in Germany have recently succeeded in doubling solar … [continued]
Natcore Tech and National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) scientists have created the “blackest” solar cell to date, a black silicon solar cell that absorbs an incredible 99.7% of the light that hits its surface. “Today’s solar cells absorb about 95 percent of the sun’s radiation,” NREL notes. NREL actually … [continued]
