Solar Masterclass – Part 1

Solar Power Efficiencies and New Innovative Cells

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Efficiency of Solar Power

3. Multi-Junction/Tandem Cells

4. Thin-Film Cells

5. Perovskite and Bifacial Cells

6. Solar Panels In Space

7. Concluding Remarks

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Bitesize Edition

• We’re back diving into the world of energy and electricity production. We’ll begin diving into solar power generation today with a discussion on exciting, innovative solar cells such as multi-junction cells, perovskites, and quantum dot solar cells.

• Interestingly, as I’ve discussed for previous electricity and energy production methods, using methods that are best suited to our environments ensures we’re gaining the maximum efficiency possible. With solar panels, the potential for a journey into space would change the game. Find out more below.  

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Introduction

After a few weeks off, it's time to return to the future of energy.

We’ll begin to explore electricity production through solar power, the process which converts the sun’s energy into electrical energy.

Figure 1 - Sainthiya, Himanshu & Beniwal, Narendra. (2017). Different types of cooling systems used in photovoltaic module solar system: A review. 1500-1506. 10.1109/WiSPNET.2017.8300012.

There are many characteristics to explore regarding these energy or electricity production methods we’ve discussed beforehand, so we’ll begin by discussing the efficiency of solar power.