Big Boost for Solar: US Startup Claims 16% Efficiency Jump!

Intermediate | June 21, 2025

✨ 혼자서 기사를 소리 내어 읽거나 튜터를 따라 각 단락을 반복해서 읽으세요. 레벨...

A New Way to Capture More Sunlight

Imagine getting more electricity from the same size solar panel. A new technology promises a significant increase in solar panel efficiency. That’s the exciting news coming from a U.S. startup called BlueDot Photonics. They recently announced a technology that they say can increase the efficiency of standard silicon solar panels by an impressive 16%. This could be a big deal for renewable energy!

How the Technology Works

So, how does it work? BlueDot Photonics uses a special method that adds a thin layer made of a material called perovskite onto regular silicon solar panels. Think of it like adding a power-boosting layer. This perovskite layer helps the panel capture more sunlight, turning it into more electricity.

Innovation Driving Efficiency Up

The Rise of Tandem Solar Cells

This kind of technology is part of a bigger trend in solar power called “tandem solar cells.” These cells stack different materials, like perovskite and silicon, together. Each layer is good at capturing different types of light from the sun, so when combined, they can convert more of the sunlight into energy than a single layer alone.

Global Progress in Solar Technology

Around the world, researchers and companies are making big strides in making solar panels more efficient. While typical panels for homes might currently be around 15-20% efficient, new technologies are pushing that number higher, with some commercial panels reaching over 24% or even 26% efficiency in 2025.

Why an Increase in Solar Panel Efficiency Matters

Higher efficiency means solar panels can produce more power in the same amount of space. This is great for rooftops where space is limited. It also means that generating solar power could become even cheaper, which is good news for both the environment and our wallets.

Vocabulary

efficiency (noun): The ability to do something well without wasting time or money; for solar panels, it’s how well they turn sunlight into electricity.
- Example: “New technology is helping to improve solar panel efficiency.”
startup (noun): A new business that is just starting.
- Example: “This solar breakthrough was developed by a U.S. startup.”
breakthrough (noun): A sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development.
- Example: “Scientists achieved a breakthrough in battery technology.”
perovskite (noun): A type of material used in some new solar cells that is very good at absorbing light.
- Example: “Perovskite is being used with silicon to make more efficient panels.”
silicon (noun): A common material used to make most solar panels today.
- Example: “Engineers use silicon to make traditional solar panels.”
tandem (adjective): Used or working in combination; in this case, two types of solar cells working together.
- Example: “Tandem solar cells use two layers to capture more light.”
commercial (adjective): Related to buying and selling things; used to describe products available to the public or for businesses.
- Example: “These high-efficiency panels are now becoming commercially available.”
residential (adjective): Connected with the place where people live.
- Example: “Many people’s homes have residential solar panels installed.”
harness (verb): To control and use the force or power of something.
- Example: “We can harness the sun’s energy with solar panels.”
innovation (noun): The introduction of new things, ideas, or ways of doing something.
- Example: “Innovation is key to improving renewable energy.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What U.S. startup is mentioned in the article, and what is their main claim?
How does BlueDot Photonics’ technology work?
What are “tandem solar cells,” and why are they important?
According to the article, how is the efficiency of commercial solar panels changing in 2025?
What two potential benefits does the text mention of higher efficiency solar panels?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Why is increasing solar panel efficiency important for the environment?
Would you consider putting solar panels on your home in the future? Why or why not?
Besides efficiency, what other factors do you think are important when choosing solar panels?
How does solar power compare to other renewable energy sources you know about?
What do you think governments could do to encourage more people and businesses to use solar energy?

Related Idiom

“A step in the right direction”

Meaning: An action that is a move towards a desired result.
Example: “This new solar technology is certainly “a step in the right direction” for cleaner energy.”

📢 Want more practical tips to improve your English while learning about today’s important topics? Sign up for the All About English Mastery Newsletter!

Follow our YouTube Channel @All_About_English for more great insights and tips.

This article was inspired by: Yahoo News, June 11, 2025