Engineers from Stanford University recently published details on a new device that could double or even triple the energy potential of solar panels. PETE, or, “photon enhanced thermionic emission”, uses a new system that converts both light and heat from the sun into energy.
Currently, solar panels generate energy from captured sun light and their efficiency goes down as the temperature climes above 100 degrees Celsius. The new PETE system is able to collect more energy because it converts both solar rays and heat; moreover, they remain at peak efficiency to temperatures over 200 degrees Celsius.
The PETE system could create an additional 55% efficiency if coupled with a thermal conversion cycle, converting high temperature waste from this system into even more energy.
Most exciting of all, the new solar panels would make the cost of solar energy comparable to that of oil – making solar power a more viable energy source!
