Thanks to Mark Learn

For another great article and for being a major contributor to Renewable Now:

Concentrated Solar Startup Sets a New Efficiency Record

Semprius makes solar modules using tiny cells that need less cooling

"Semprius, a startup that makes miniscule solar cells capable of capturing concentrated sunlight without costly cooling systems, announced this week that it had made the world's most efficient solar panel.

The company's solar panels use tiny solar cells made of gallium arsenide—the record-breaking solar module contains hundreds of such solar cells, each about the width of a line drawn by a ball-point pen, arranged under lenses that concentrate sunlight 1,100 times.

Gallium arsenide is far better at absorbing sunlight than silicon, the material used in most solar cells, but it's also more expensive. Furthermore, although concentrated solar modules use less semiconducting material, they usually require expensive optics, cooling systems, and tracking systems to keep them aimed at the sun. Semprius's microscaled solar cells are inherently much better at dissipating heat, making them cheaper..."

There's plenty more--here's the link:  http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/39624/page1/

Solar prices, as you probably know, have plummeted.  Yet, their production continues to spiral.  We just commissioned our 175kw solar array, and the energy produced, in the middle of winter on the East Coast of the US, has been terrific.  Our ROI is already ahead of schedule.

Imagine what is possible with solar cells that concentrate sunlight 1100 times and don't need expensive cooling systems to maintain their high production.  We we will get is amazing levels of energy at bargain prices.

Kudos to Semprius and other great innovators of the world.