Hybrid solar cells more efficiently convert light energy and heat into electricity

Currently solar panels are relatively inefficient and can generate a small amount of electricity. Now, scientists have now created a new hybrid solar system that can use full-spectrum solar radiation more efficiently than similar solar panels. This means that hybrid solar cells can not only convert sunlight into electricity, it can also convert solar-generated heat into electricity.

The new hybrid solar panel system generates five times more voltage than other hybrid solar systems. To create a new hybrid solar panel, the researchers used a polymer called PEDOT. The researchers laid a dye-sensitized solar cell on the PEDOT film. The PEDOT film can be heated by light. Under the PEDOT layer, scientists join A thermoelectric film and a thermoelectric element that converts heat into electricity.

Parts that work together are 20% more efficient than a single solar cell, and this additional efficiency generates enough power to drive LED lights and electronic displays.