MIT Researchers Develop New Method of Increasing Solar Panel Efficiency
Although researchers already know how solar panels work, they are attempting to make them more efficient with their latest research project. MIT experts say that they might be able to increase the efficiency of solar panels, allowing the panels to make use of more sunlight and, thus, create more energy.
The method being explored is the addition of a layer of hot nanotubes to the solar cells. This layer would allow the cells to respond to the full spectrum of sunlight, which is something they are currently not able to do. MIT researchers believe that the carbon nanotubes could increase the efficiency of solar panels from 22 percent to 80 percent, which means that homes could produce considerably more energy.
This is welcome news for homes in areas that don’t receive a lot of direct sunlight. Making the most of the sun’s light spectrum means that less sunlight will go to waste, making homes more efficient and allowing renewable energy to grow throughout the world. More homeowners will see the benefits of solar power when its efficiency is shown to improve so drastically.
Understanding how solar panels work is the first step to finding new ways of increasing efficiency and productivity for solar energy. The more solar power a panel can create, the greater the chances of solar power becoming the go-to energy source in the US and throughout the world. These carbon nanotubes could be the key to the globalization of solar power as a sustainable, renewable energy source, which would reduce society’s carbon footprint and leave a positive, lasting impact on the environment.