Answer to Question #216238 in Physics for muzondiwa

Question

Suggest two reasons why the efficiency of this solar cell at producing electricity from sunlight is less than 100%.

Answer 1

The number of records reflects the large variety of technology options within the photovoltaic industry and the need for fundamental as well as applied research. The highest efficiency devices (often on very small areas) demonstrate the practical limits to efficiency without regard to cost or manufacturing considerations. Other records (particularly the large area cells and modules) give an indication of the progress of technologies that are aimed at commercialisation.