Scientists have shown that a single nanowire can concentrate the sunlight up to 15 times of the normal sun light intensity. The results are surprising and the potential for developing a new type of highly efficient solar cells is great.

A new technique could lead to significantly more efficient solar cells. Quantum dot photovoltaics offers the potential for low-cost, large-area solar power — however these devices are not yet highly efficient in the infrared portion of the sun’s spectrum, which is responsible for half of the sun’s power that reaches Earth. The solution? Spectrally tuned, solution-processed plasmonic nanoparticles. These particles, researchers say, provide unprecedented control over light’s propagation and absorption.

A spray-on nanocrystal solar cell array.Credit: Image courtesy of St. Mary’s College of Maryland
A new study out of St. Mary’s College of Maryland puts us closer to do-it-yourself spray-on solar cell technology — promising third-generation solar cells utilizing a nanocrystal ink deposition that could make traditional expensive silicon-based solar panels …

The sun, that yellow dwarf star at the heart of our solar system, has lit up our skies for nearly 4.5 billion years. Through the process of nuclear fusion, the sun’s abundant hydrogen stores are converted to helium. The energy produced during this process is released, or radiated, beyond the …