New Material Harnesses, Wasted Light to Make , Solar Panels More Efficient.<br />'The Independent' reports that scientists<br />have found a way to significantly increase <br />the efficiency of solar panels. .<br />The new method reportedly involves <br />harnessing the power of previously <br />unused portions of the light spectrum.<br />The team from Shanghai University of Engineering Science <br />found that a glass-ceramic material could be used <br />to convert ultraviolet (UV) light into visible light. .<br />With potential applications in both <br />terrestrial and space photovoltaic cells, <br />the development of spectral downshifting <br />co-doped glass-ceramics might open <br />up new avenues to achieve better <br />performance in photovoltaic devices. , Pei Song, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, via 'The Independent'.<br />The new material also provides an added layer <br />of protection for next-gen perovskite cells that are <br />known to suffer from degradation under strong light.<br />'The Independent' reports that the team's <br />findings could provide a protective layer for <br />photovoltaic cells used in the space industry.<br />Nowadays, expanding space stations <br />require more power support and need<br />high-performance photovoltaic cells. , Pei Song, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, via 'The Independent'.<br />By covering the top side of a photovoltaic <br />cell with the proposed spectral <br />conversion material and using appropriate <br />encapsulation and sealing technology, <br />we can ensure very low humidity <br />levels and efficient UV recycling. , Pei Song, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, via 'The Independent'.<br />In addition, glass-ceramic materials <br />have a hard texture, so they can <br />protect photovoltaic cells from <br />being hit by tiny floating debris in space, Pei Song, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, via 'The Independent'.<br />The team's findings were detailed <br />in the 'Journal of Photonics for Energy.'
