Wires smaller in diameter than light waves boost solar cell efficiency

Credit: Wallentin et al./ Ars Technica

http://arstechnica.com/science/2013/01/wires-smaller-than-light-waves-boost-solar-cell-efficiency/ / PV photovoltaic solar cells researchers materials novel physical phenomena extract maximum electricity sunlight lowest cost extracting more power arrays nanowires stand vertically inexpensive substrates less materia less costly materials principle trap more light geometry arrays outperformed conventional counterparts indium phosphide InP wavelength light trapping Jesper Wallentin comparable efficiencies higher voltage conventional InP solar cell surface area exploited principle resonant trapping current full planar cell of InP greater efficiency lower cost maximizing efficiency converting sunlight electric current reducing cost per unit of electricity advantage less material surface area inexpensive semiconductor materials /