Optimizing photovoltaic conversion of solar energy

Abstract

The importance of solar energy can never be over-emphasized. Photovoltaic conversion is the most convenient method for harnessing solar energy. The demand for solar electricity has been increasing in this power hungry world. This has challenged the existing technology for solar power and motivated researchers to find innovative solutions. High cost and high technology have always been highlighted in the context of solar photovoltaics. Due to high cost, during the initial period, solar cells could be employed only in high end applications such as space technology. For widespread use of solar cells, it is imperative to bring the cost of harnessing solar energy down to an affordable level. Efforts taken for over more than 50 years on this topic are reviewed in this paper. These include the search for low cost materials and technology, using amorphous, nanocrystalline materials or thin films, and efforts to increase the conversion efficiency. The concept of spectrum modification is the most ingenious scheme for increasing the efficiency, which ultimately can help bring down the cost.

Physical Cue‐Based Strategies on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

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Exploring Anisotropic Carrier Transport in WSe2–WTe2 Superlattices: A Computational Study

“…6 In solar cells, the ability of charge carriers to move efficiently within the material affects the overall performance. 7 In LEDs, efficient carrier transport ensures bright and reliable light emission. 8 Moreover, in emerging technologies like solar cells and quantum devices, understanding and engineering carrier transport properties are key to achieving higher efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and novel functionalities.…”

Exploring Ln(III)-Ion-Based Luminescent Species as Down-Shifters for Photovoltaic Solar Cells

“…Integrating lanthanide down-shifting layers into solar cells poses several challenges that must be addressed, including cost-effectiveness, stability, and efficiency [ 46 , 47 ]. As solar energy continues to grow in importance as a renewable energy source, advancements in down-shifting will play an increasingly crucial role in addressing these challenges [ 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 ].…”