NEWS

Improving the efficiency of tandem solar cells

Solar cells made of silicon are used widely but have limited power-conversion yields. These yields will likely top out at around 27% in the foreseeable future, owing to fundamental thermodynamic limitations. Modules incorporating these solar cells will have maximum yields of around 23–25%. EPFL scientists in Neuchâtel have developed a tandem solar cell that can deliver a certified efficiency of 29.2%.

Maintaining the structure of gold and silver in alloys

EPFL engineers have developed a low-temperature annealing method that maintains the structure of gold and silver when the two metals are combined in an alloy. Their discovery will prove useful in the manufacture of contact lenses, holographic optical elements and other optical components, since the new alloys reflect the full spectral range.