Blackest Solar Cell to Date Absorbs 99.7% of Light

APRIL 30, 2012 BY ZACHARY SHAHAN 

Natcore Tech and National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) scientists have created the “blackest” solar cell to date, a black silicon solar cell that absorbs an incredible 99.7% of the light that hits its surface. “Today’s solar cells absorb about 95 percent of the sun’s radiation,” NREL notes.

NREL actually holds the record for a black silicon solar cell — 18.6% — “but they had to make it using a passivation technology that requires thermal oxidation,” Natcore notes. “Natcore will replace that cumbersome step with its LPD oxide process.”

Source: Clean Technica (http://s.tt/1ar9E)