How efficient is a solar-to-electrical conversion rate compared to a photovoltaic cell?

We measured a solar-to-electrical conversion rate of 6.8%, exceeding the performance of the photovoltaic cell alone. The device operates more efficiently while reducing the heat generation rates in the photovoltaic cell by a factor of two at matching output power densities.

Are photovoltaic cells a viable device for solar energy conversion?

Photovoltaic (PV) cells are popularly considered a feasible device for solar energy conversion. However, the temperature on the surface of a working solar cells can be high, which significantly decreases the power conversion efficiency and seriously reduces the cell life.

How do photovoltaic cells convert solar energy?

Photovoltaic cells (made of semiconductor material) absorb photons, elementary particles present in sunlight. The absorbed photons excite the electrons present in the photovoltaic cell and the movement of these electrons generates an electric current. In solar thermal conversion, solar energy is stored in the form of thermal energy.

What is photovoltaic conversion?

The process of directly converting sunlight into electricity without using a heat engine is known as photovoltaic conversion. The fundamental benefit of photovoltaic devices is that they are made as standalone systems, allowing them to provide outputs ranging from microwatts to megawatts.

How can photovoltaic technology improve energy conversion efficiencies?

Technologically, the main challenge for the photovoltaic industry is improving PV module energy conversion efficiencies. Therefore, a variety of techniques have been tested, applied and deployed on PV and PV/T systems. Combined methods have also been a crucial impact toward efficiency improvement endeavors.

How efficient is sunlight to electricity conversion?

Green, M. A. et al. 40% efficient sunlight to electricity conversion. Prog. Photovoltaics 23, 685–691 (2015). De Vos, A. Detailed balance limit of the efficiency of tandem solar cells. J. Phys. D 13, 839–846 (1980). Henry, C. H. Limiting efficiencies of ideal single and multiple energy gap terrestrial solar cells. J. Appl.