Researchers double efficiency of novel solar cell

Said to achieve a conversion efficiency of 7.3%, the new device is composed of two thin polymer solar cells that collect sunlight and convert it into power. It's more efficient than previous designs, the researchers say, because its two cells absorb light from a wider portion of the solar spectrum, and because it incorporates a layer of novel materials between the two cells to reduce energy loss. Yang Yang, who led the research, believes the new cells could be placed on smartphone screens and windows to generate electricity while still allowing people to see through the surface. "Using two solar cells with the new interfacial materials in between produces close to two times the energy we originally observed," he commented. "We anticipate this device will offer new directions for solar cells, including the creation of solar windows on homes and office buildings."