Scientists have developed a new solar technology that could dramatically change our ability to collect light from the sun.
Solar cells are thought to be one of the major ways to collect energy in a sustainable and innovative way. But the bottom line is that the light has to be of a color that the solar cell can produce. Cells can absorb better. Also, these solar cells need to be relatively large to absorb enough light energy.
Scientists are optimistic that one day it will be possible to create solar cells that are panchromatic—capable of completely absorbing visible light. It is possible that the size of these solar cells will be reduced, after which their weight will also be lighter.
Now researchers say they’ve discovered a new type of light-harvesting system that differs from past methods and could help solve the problem.
Scientists have named this system UPRB, which corresponds to four wavelengths of light and absorbs ultraviolet, red, violet and blue.
