Researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney have developed a solar cell technology that could lead to higher-efficiency silicon photovoltaics.
The team has devised a new method with the potential to increase solar panel efficiency to over 30%, a notable improvement on the 20-25% efficiency of typical commercial panels.
The approach may also allow panels to operate at temperatures up to 2.4°C (36.32°F) cooler, a factor that could extend their functional lifespan by an estimated 4.5 years.
The development addresses a key materials challenge. Previous work in this area often used a molecule called tetracene, which is chemically unstable in air and thus unsuitable for commercial manufacturing.
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