Jun 30 2010
Evolution Solar (EVSO) announced that the researchers from the University of Minnesota and University of Texas have discovered a new process to improve solar cells’ conversion efficiency up to 66%.
In the new process, hot electrons are transferred to an electron acceptor from quantum dots. Typically, hot electrons are produced by the photons in a semiconductor solar cell. Such photons have energies more than the bandgap of a semiconductor. Much of the hot electrons’ energy is lost through heat; however, the energy can be captured and utilized for generating electricity.
In the new process, quantum dots are used to reduce the cooling speed of hot electrons. Then the energy is captured and transferred. This enables the energy to be added, which is otherwise lost as heat in traditional solar cells.
Currently, EVSO is developing a demonstration project of solar power with the City of Brookshire, Texas. In collaboration with Texas Southern University, the company is constructing a solar demonstration site, which is to be sited at the Houston Campus of the University. With these projects, EVSO expects to obtain new business in the solar energy industry.
Evolution Solar’s President, Robert Hines, stated that this new process is a great leap in creating cost-effective solar energy. This process is capable of doubling the solar output and minimizing solar payback time by 20%, he said.