3 ms·
Is the maximum theoretical efficiency I often see stated just for type of technology we use today (pn junctions)? Or is it a hard physical limit for any light -
by seiferteric 10y ago
Is the maximum theoretical efficiency I often see stated just for type of technology we use today (pn junctions)? Or is it a hard physical limit for any light -> electricity system? Would it be possible that some new technology for solar cells could be more efficient?
- averagewall 10y agoI think the highest physical limit would be Carnot efficiency for a heat engine driven by the temperature difference between the sun and the earth. (6000K - 300 K) / 6000 K = 95%. There could be a different lower limit we hit before that though.
- seiferteric 10y agoThat does make sense for an absolute upper limit, thanks.