Under current commercially available solar cell technology, less than 20% of the energy found in sunlight is ultimately converted into electrical energy. However, the research group of University of Tokyo and Sharp has come with a theory using a form of nanotechnology, which will allow up to a 75% conversion rate of sunlight to electrical energy. The theory is based on utilizing a next generation solar cell technology known as a "quantum dot" solar cell, which uses nano quantum dots in the photovoltaic material of the solar cell.
By creating 4 intermediary bands within the band gap of the quantum dot solar cell, the researchers arrived at the new theoretical maximum of a 75% conversion rate. This rate is much higher than the previously believed theoretical maximum of a 63% conversion rate.
The next step for the researchers is to come up with the actual arrangement of the quantum dots and structure of the solar cell, to maximize the efficiency based on the theoretical calculation and prove through experiments that the theory is correct.
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