– Researchers at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia have developed a new hybrid solar technology that combines silicon-based photovoltaics with molecular solar thermal energy storage. This is the first device to pair these two technologies.
– The molecular solar thermal energy storage layer acts as an optical filter, absorbing heat before it hits the solar cell. This allows the cell to increase its efficiency by 12.6%. The thermal layer can also store energy for later use with an efficiency of 2.3%.
– Together the two layers achieve a solar utilization efficiency of up to 14.9%, outperforming the two systems operating individually.
– Unlike other technologies, the molecular thermal system uses common elements like carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, providing a more sustainable energy storage solution.
– This solar collection and storage device could help boost global efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 by augmenting battery capacity significantly.
– The breakthrough hybrid technology represents an improvement over existing solar energy solutions and has the potential to advance renewable energy adoption at a larger scale.
Source: TCD
