The biggest hurdle solar cells have to overcome is overheating because converting sunrays to electricity—unsurprisingly—is a very hot process. When solar panels get hot their efficiency dramatically decreases. Engineers from Stanford University have found a solution to this problem by adding a thin layer of silica glass on top of regular solar cells. The silica glass creates a bunch of microscopic hills and valleys that dispel excess thermal heat, letting the solar panels stay self-cooled and making them more efficient.
Self-cooling solar cells increase efficiency and lifespan
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