[GraceG]

If this can get perfected and mass produced it could provide more energy per square inch than regular solar cells because solar cells only work with a small amount of em spectrum, where all you would need is a black panel to absorb all light and heat up with this device under it.

[r9etb]

If this can get perfected and mass produced it could provide more energy per square inch than regular solar cells because solar cells only work with a small amount of em spectrum, where all you would need is a black panel to absorb all light and heat up with this device under it.

The problem being that thermocouples are very inefficient -- less than 10% of the heat gets converted to electricity.

The article touts a 40% increase in efficiency with the new materials, but when you're only starting out at 5-7% the improved efficiency is still quite low.

[PA Engineer]

If this can get perfected and mass produced it could provide more energy per square inch than regular solar cells because solar cells only work with a small amount of em spectrum, where all you would need is a black panel to absorb all light and heat up with this device under it.

That is actually a great idea. You may want to consider a sashimi patent. Quickly. There may also be applications that are more economical from parabolic collectors.