German and French researchers said Thursday that they have achieved a new world record on converting sunlight to energy through a photovoltaic, or solar cell.
The solar cell was able to collect energy at a 44.7% rate of efficiency, which was measured at a concentration of 297 suns. The world-record setting solar cell that boasts 44.7% efficiency contains four solar sub-cells.
The team of scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Soitec, CEA-Let and the Helmholtz Center Berlin jointly announced the “major breakthrough” with their new solar cell. The solar cell contains four solar sub cells and paves the way to achieving their 50% efficiency roadmap, the researchers said in a statement.
