Scientists in Germany claim to have developed the most efficient solar cells to date.
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE say that their new cells convert sunlight into energy at a rate of 41.1 per cent.
This represents a greater efficiency than their previous cells, which achieved 39.97 per cent efficiency.
According to the researchers, their cells, made out of rare materials, operated at this efficiency when the sunlight was concentrated by a factor of 454.
Frank Dimroth, head of the research group, said: "We are elated by this breakthrough."
The development was made possible because scientists managed to grow crystals used in the cells so that all the imperfections were focused in inactive parts of the cell, leaving active parts to be defect free.
Solar panels are being increasingly used – even on the research bases of Antarctica.
Meanwhile, the University of Salford and General Vacuum have received funds to improve production of flexible solar panels that can be laminated onto buildings.
