Skip to Content

Coming Out of the Shade

August 23, 2011

Solar cells collect power by means of a network of surface-mounted contacts, but this network blocks some of the sunlight falling on the cells. Thanks to a new technique for depositing metal onto the cells, this 245-watt panel has contacts a quarter the size of those in a conventional screen-printed network, letting more light through. Combined with a new surface-texturing process, this improves the efficiency of the cells by up to 10 percent.

Product: HiPerforma 245W module
Cost: Varies
Availability: Now
Source: ap.suntech-power.com
Companies: Suntech

Keep Reading

Most Popular

Large language models can do jaw-dropping things. But nobody knows exactly why.

And that's a problem. Figuring it out is one of the biggest scientific puzzles of our time and a crucial step towards controlling more powerful future models.

How scientists traced a mysterious covid case back to six toilets

When wastewater surveillance turns into a hunt for a single infected individual, the ethics get tricky.

The problem with plug-in hybrids? Their drivers.

Plug-in hybrids are often sold as a transition to EVs, but new data from Europe shows we’re still underestimating the emissions they produce.

It’s time to retire the term “user”

The proliferation of AI means we need a new word.

Stay connected

Illustration by Rose Wong

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review

Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.

Thank you for submitting your email!

Explore more newsletters

It looks like something went wrong.

We’re having trouble saving your preferences. Try refreshing this page and updating them one more time. If you continue to get this message, reach out to us at customer-service@technologyreview.com with a list of newsletters you’d like to receive.