Nanoparticles Boost Solar Cell Efficiency by 60%

In experiments where silicon nanoparticles were applied on top of solar cells, researchers observed large voltage enhancements with dramatic increases in power ranging from as much as 60-70% in the ultraviolet-blue (UV) range, and further reported a significant boost in power by as much as 10% in the visible light range.

“The exceptional power performance of these silicon nanoparticles is a substantial achievement and is especially significant since our use of these same nanoparticles is key to the development of Octillion’s transparent glass windows capable of generating electricity, an innovation that I believe can potentially reduce the harmful environmental impact associated with traditional electrical power generation,” explained Harmel S. Rayat, President and CEO of Octillion Corp.

In the experiments, researchers integrated ultra thin films of silicon nanoparticles of 1nm and 3nm in diameter directly onto conventional polycrystalline solar cells, forming a transparent layer of silicon nanoparticles.

Researchers published their breakthrough findings in the August 6, 2007 edition of the American Institute of Physics’ Applied Physics Letters.