Hybrid PV Cells Enable More Efficient Solar Energy Conversion

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have found that by spin coating, roll-to-roll printing or spraying a hybrid combination of inorganic nanocrystals and organic molecules onto the base of existing solar cells that energy can be unconverted to the visible spectrum and converted into electricity too.

By combining a single junction amorphous silicon cell with nanoparticles and rubrene or pentacene, the photon count of silicon cells can be boosted by 41 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.