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Is there a known theoretical maximum efficiency for solar cells that we can’t get past with our current approach? If they’re hitting 25% are we close to that l
by MBCook 2y ago
Is there a known theoretical maximum efficiency for solar cells that we can’t get past with our current approach?
If they’re hitting 25% are we close to that limit?
- Retric 2y agoDepends on what you mean by current approach as many different methods are in use. Single junction solar cells are limited to 33.16%. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shockley–Queisser_limit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shockley–Queisser_limit Increase the number of junctions and that goes up. Ultimately with infinite layers you can’t beat ~68.7% on earth and 86.8% when much closer to the sun.
- GeorgeTirebiter 2y agoThese efficiency limits are true for P-N junction solar cells. There are other solar cell types which can ultimately achieve higher efficiencies, but they are currently lab curiosities with low efficiencies.
- MBCook 2y agoThat’s the kind of thing I was trying to get at with my “current approach” comment. Maybe solar cells based on chemical reactions or [insert science things here] can do far better, but right now semiconductors is what everyone sells.
- crazygringo 2y agoWhat does closeness to the sun have to do with it? If it's a question of the intensity of the sunlight, can't you just focus it with a lens?
- missedthecue 2y agoConcentrator Photovoltaics (CPVs) exist but are expensive not just because of the lenses but because you need a tracking system to follow the movement of the sun and adjust the lens constantly to keep the light focused.