Today’s Solutions: August 15, 2026

Solar cells made from the mineral called perovskite are cheaper to make than conventional cells from silicon, but they haven’t been able to leave the lab without losing efficiency. Now a team of researchers from Brown University and the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) have solved that issue using a new method that makes perovskite solar cells larger and commercially viable. The new fabrication process is especially successful because the cells attained a 15% energy conversion efficiency, which the team believes they can improve another 5-10%, rivaling traditional solar cells. A cheaper, more efficient solar cell, now that’s music to the ears of an environmentalist.

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