Here Comes The Sun-powered Economy

Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have just created a new antireflective coating for solar cells that helps them trap light. Untreated solar cells only absorb 66% of the light that hits them. When treated with this new coating, made from silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide nanorods, absorption was boosted to a nearly perfect 96%. The coating also lets solar cells absorb light from any angle. No more mechanized solar panels on articulated arms that have to follow the sun’s path. The researchers are calling it a “game-changer.”

It might not actually change our energy game overnight, of course. There’s no mention of how much it costs to make this coating. But it’s a step in the right direction. It’s also worth noting the research was government funded. So, you know, the government’s not focused exclusively on frivolous fruit fly projects.