Scientists design solar cell that captures nearly all energy of solar spectrum

[rangerrebew]

Scientists design solar cell that captures nearly all energy of solar spectrum

Date:
    July 11, 2017
Source:
    George Washington University
Summary:
    Scientists have designed and constructed a prototype for a new solar cell that integrates multiple cells stacked into a single device capable of capturing nearly all of the energy in the solar spectrum.
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FULL STORY

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/07/170711220514.htm

[Taxcontrol]

Nice concept and great that they are approaching 50% efficiency.  However, some pretty exotic materials were used for that cell.  I highly doubt that the specific design will be cost effective.  The concept might be worth exploring though.

[Elderberry]

nearly all energy

The new design, which converts direct sunlight to electricity with 44.5 percent efficiency,

Are they counting  55.5 percent as converted to heat?

[SunkenCiv]

Some years back, a high school kid won an award by using a cheap, old-school fresnel lens to enhance the output of an off-the-shelf photovoltaic cell.