New tin-based solar cells trap heat 1000 times longer, could beat 33% limit

Scientists at the University of Groningen found that tin-based perovskite solar cells slow the cooling of 'hot' electrons by 1000 times — down to nanoseconds. This could allow surpassing the theoretical efficiency limit of solar panels of 33%.

• Hot electron cooling slowed 1000 times — from picoseconds to nanoseconds
• Effect explained by hot phonon trapping and the Burstein-Moss effect
• Tin perovskites are non-toxic and cheaper than lead counterparts
• Commercial panels using this technology have not yet been created