Developing cheaper and more efficient solar power

Our scientists have helped to solve a puzzle that could lead to cheaper and more efficient solar power. A team of researchers, including physicists at Durham University, looked at why a certain type of solar panel is much more efficient than others. Solar panels Most of the world's solar panels are made from silicon, but panels have been created using a material called cadmium telluride (CdTe) which produce electricity at a lower cost. The huge gain in efficiency seen in CdTe panels is a result of adding selenium to the cadmium telluride. Until now it had not been properly understood why this was the case. Increased efficiency According to the new research, the increased efficiency happens because selenium stops electrons - tiny particles generated by sunlight that carry electricity - from becoming trapped and lost in miniscule defects in the panels. In turn, this increases the amount of power that can be extracted.