Stephanie on June 19th, 2010

At the University of Texas at Austin, researchers are working on solar technology that has the promise of increasing solar cell efficiency from the current 30% conversion rate, up to over 60%.  Scientists have been advancing new research on semiconductor nanocrystals, or quantum dots, that can be used in photovoltaic panels to trap some of [...]

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Stephanie on November 5th, 2009

Researchers at Oregon State University and Portland State University have discovered a way to use algae to increase solar cell efficiency.  Using microscopic algae called diatoms, dye-sensitized solar cells can produce triple the electrical output of ordinary solar cells. When specially-engineered diatoms are used in the production of thin film solar cells, light is captured [...]

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