Find out how to make the most out of solar energy

A team of scientists at the MIT Research Institute has discovered a number of methods that can convert solar energy into electricity more efficiently than before.

The findings of this group (including Dr. David Bierman, Prof. Evelyn Wang and Marin Soljacic, and four others) have just been published in the journal Nature Energy.

Since 1961, there has been a theory of energy conversion limits , known as the Shockley-Queisser Limit. Accordingly, solar panels can convert the solar energy they collect into energy for lighting. However, this conversion is limited, meaning that not all of the heat generated can be transformed into solar energy. Some of the excess heat will be lost in vain.

Solar cells are being tested. (Source: Phys.org).

For a silicon-based single-layer (silicon-based) single-cell battery that makes up most of the solar panels, this limit is 32% - just 32% of the solar energy can be obtained. It is transformed into light for human needs.

In the new study, the team has found several ways to significantly increase the efficiency of this type of clean energy.

The first method is to use multiple layers of battery. This method is being studied and widely used to utilize as much sunlight as possible.

The second method is to convert sunlight into heat before turning it into electricity for lighting. This method uses the conversion equipment called STPV that this group has proven to be very effective.

"We believe this is a new step forward," said Professor Wang. "As we have demonstrated, STPV equipment is capable of converting solar energy into electricity much higher than traditional batteries."

Their approach is quite simple. Unused solar energy should be consumed in the form of heat emitted by solar panels that will be absorbed into the intermediate layer beneath the battery. By adjusting the material and structure of the intermediate layer, the heat is converted into electric lighting. So the solar energy will be used up, not wasted, Wang said.