Ian Johnson for Independent:� The silicon solar cell is so efficient that it turns 26.3 per cent of the energy from the sun into renewable� power.

In contrast, natures ‘solar panels – leaves – have a “photosynthetic efficiency” of between three and six per cent.

The scientists behind the new panel also said they believed they had found a way to create a one� with the� maximum level of efficiency considered to be theoretically possible� – 29.1 per cent.

Writing in the journal� Nature Energy, the� team� from the Kaneka Corporation in Osaka, said: “Improving the photo-conversion efficiency of silicon solar cells is crucial to further the deployment of renewable electricity.�

“Essential device properties such as lifetime, series resistance and optical properties must be improved simultaneously to reduce recombination, resistive and optical losses.�

“Here, we use industrially compatible processes to fabricate large-area silicon solar cells … the photo-conversion efficiency is over 26 per cent.” � Full Article: