New breakthrough in solar power generation: Gallium arsenide replaces silicon

Recently, two U.S. companies have made breakthroughs in the field of solar power generation. Alta Devices, Calif.-based solar panels can achieve 23.5% conversion efficiency, while North Carolina-based Semprius achieves 33.9% conversion efficiency in concentrating photovoltaics. The two companies have achieved new records in the direction of different solar power generation technologies. In the past, the highest conversion efficiency of solar panels and concentrating photovoltaic power generation was 22.9% and 33%, respectively.

It is worth noting that both companies have adopted new materials to absorb solar energy. The new material is gallium arsenide, which is slightly more expensive than conventional silicon but can better absorb solar energy. At present, the two companies are constantly improving their own technology, hoping that after the technology matures, without the government's subsidies for high technology, the price of solar energy will be equal to the current price of fuel energy.