Self-cooling solar cells boost power, last longer

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Scientists may have overcome one of the major hurdles in developing high-efficiency, long-lasting solar cells -- keeping them cool, even in the blistering heat of the noonday sun. By adding a specially patterned layer of silica glass to the surface of ordinary solar cells, a team of researchers has found a way to let solar cells cool themselves by shepherding away unwanted thermal radiation.DQ8afJNjFL8

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  • PNjunction
    PNjunction Solar Expert Posts: 762 ✭✭✭
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    Re: Self-cooling solar cells boost power, last longer

    Now THAT makes sense, provided you can actually bring it to market to make any difference.

    Ordinarily, cells that have passed the flash test get the standard "AR" or anti-reflective coating applied, which is the visible spectrum, and reflects high-angle energy back towards the cell.

    But this coating seems to be applied on top to bend the infrared away and not affect the AR coating underneath. I suppose a manufacturer would probably like to incorporate both coatings into one.

    Just comes down to cost, and hopefully not stagnate in some sort of patent warfare / investor scheme. Benefit mankind and release it to the world, or hoard it like a troll.