Scientists have created a solar cell device that is significantly more efficient than conventional photovoltaic cells.

For the first time, scientists have produced a photovoltaic (PV) cell with a conversion efficiency of 40.7 percent, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reported on December 7. The collaboration of DOE and Spectrolab, Inc. (a subsidiary of Boeing) led to the achievement of a decades-long goal: to break the 40-percent efficiency barrier on solar cell devices. “We are eager to see this accomplishment translate into the marketplace as soon as possible,” Alexander Karsner, assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy at DOE, said.

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