Finally a meaningful technology advancement in solar energy panels adding up to previously unprecedented energy production from solar. This year Semprius located in North Carolina is reportedly launching production on its new solar panels which replace silicon with more efficient gallium arsenide wafers, shrink the size of each solar cell and use optics to concentrate sunlight onto the cells.
Result: Semprius’ technology has set a new record in efficiency with 33.9% or 2-3 greater efficiency to previous solar panels.
Currently the company appears focused on large commercial and utility users. New technologies always start out pricey. But it is only a matter of time for it to be available for smaller-scale, residential applications. Due to price pressures on conventional solar panels from the Chinese the price reductions might even happen more rapidly than in years past. Kudos to American engineering!
