Solar power installation is soaring globally thanks to costs plunging 90% in the past decade, making it the cheapest electricity in many parts of the world. But the power output can plummet under grey skies and researchers are working to squeeze even more electricity from panels. The new device, demonstrated in a laboratory at Soochow University in China, places two transparent polymer layers on top of a solar photovoltaic (PV) cell. “In addition, this device even provides electricity at night if there is rain.”After the 'sunrush': what comes next for solar power? The top layer of the Teng is also grooved to help focus more light on the solar cell.

Source: The Guardian March 13, 2018 13:07 UTC