Solar power without solar cells (electric, material, physics, computer)

[Brian.Pearson]

ANN ARBOR, Mich.---A dramatic and surprising magnetic effect of light discovered by University of Michigan researchers could lead to solar power without traditional semiconductor-based solar cells. The researchers found a way to make an "optical battery," said Stephen Rand, a professor in the departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Physics and Applied Physics.In the process, they overturned a century-old tenet of physics.



Interesting stuff... It could revolutionize solar power and who knows what else?

[Werone]

Solar Cell efficiency has long ago been over 10% conversion efficiency.

Thin films line CIGS are manufactured at 11% panel efficiencies, Concentrated PV tech. goes as high as 28% conversion efficiency.

[Maxie Coale]

10% efficiency isn't any different from today's PV technology. However, it would be good to harness solar power minus PV solar cells- hope it's cheaper to do so too.

[LogicIsYourFriend]

Not more efficient, but much cheaper. It just needs a couple hunks of glass apparently - a lens to direct the light and the material to direct it through.

[Werone]

Just a reminder, as with any technology, the more people adopt it the less expensive it gets. If solar cells get 30% less expensive then everyone will be adopting....

[jtur88]

I've had a solar-powered clothes dryer for decades. It cost me about 10c a foot.