‘Revolutionary’ solar power cell innovations break key energy threshold

Next generation cells surpass limits of today's cells and will accelerate rollout of cheaper, more efficient solar power

Solar power cells have raced past the key milestone of 30% energy efficiency, after innovations by multiple research groups around the world. The feat makes this a revolutionary" year, according to one expert, and could accelerate the rollout of solar power.

Today's solar panels use silicon-based cells but are rapidly approaching their maximum conversion of sunlight to electricity of 29%. At the same time, the installation rate of solar power needs to increase tenfold in order to tackle the climate crisis, according to scientists.