Third Generation Photovoltaic Cell - Technologies

Technologies

The third generation is somewhat ambiguous in the technologies that it encompasses, though generally it tends to include, among others, non-semiconductor technologies (including polymer cells and biomimetics), quantum dot, tandem/multi-junction cells, intermediate band solar cell, hot-carrier cells, photon upconversion and downconversion technologies, and solar thermal technologies, such as thermophotonics, which is one technology identified by Green as being third generation.

It also includes:

• Silicon nanostructures
• Modifying incident spectrum (concentration), to reach 300-500 suns and efficiencies of 32% (already attained in Sol3g cells) to +50%.
• Use of excess thermal generation (caused by UV light) to enhance voltages or carrier collection.
• Use of infrared spectrum to produce electricity at night.