this post was submitted on 03 Aug 2024
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We're reaching the limit for photovoltaics. Really need to pour money into optical rectennas.
Current panel efficiency is at roughly 22%. A 34% efficient panel would increase current solar generation to 133% just by replacing current panels. That's much easier then building new solar generation plants. This would move the "total energy produced Earth by solar" amount from the current 5.5% to 7.35%
That's a pretty stunning improvement for a comparably easy lift.
The longevity numbers on these are abysmal, though. Like nearly useless after a year.
I'm not interested in hearing about perovskites breaking efficiency records when the longevity issue isn't solved.
Not only that, they're terrible on the toxicity front.