More Efficient Solar Cell Design: Geometric Pattern Maximizes Time Light Is Trapped in Solar Cell

U.S. researchers say they've developed a new design for organic solar cells that could lead to more efficient, less expensive solar power. Using a mathematical algorithm based on natural evolution, researchers at Northwestern University identified a specific optimal geometrical pattern for capturing and holding light in thin-cell organic solar cells, a university release reported Friday. The geometry of the so-called scattering layer maximizes the amount of time light remains trapped within the cell to increase the amount of energy created, the researchers said.
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Journal Reference:

1. Chen Wang, Shuangcheng Yu, Wei Chen, Cheng Sun. Highly Efficient Light-Trapping Structure Design Inspired By Natural Evolution. Scientific Reports, 2013; 3 DOI: 10.1038/srep01025