PV Gap

Earl Said:

Why are the best solar cells only 12% efficient? What's the technological impasse?

We Answered:

Because energu conversio depends on what form of energy is going into what form ...remember work can be conveted @ 100% efficiency to heat ...but heat cannot be converted to mechanical work with 100 % efficiency . ENTROPY plays a role here !


Same is true with the energy in photons to it's conversion into electricity .Entropy is involved !

Ok lemme be a little more clearer ; it is easy to convert an organised form of energy to a disorganised form of energy ...like heat is a disorganised form of energy compared to let's say mecanical energy ...it is difficult to convert disorganised form on energy into organised form ...(this a result of 2nd law of thermodynamics)...now photons are disorganised & electricity is more organised form of energy in loose terms ...so it's impossible to get 100% conversion ...but it can be improved by significant amnt by using good & efficient material ...so it's not a tachnological impasse rather a physical law empasse !! 100 % Not possible !
Hope this helps