An article posted on the University of Manchester’s website reports that a team of scientists at the University have solved the initial degradation of solar cell efficiency.  Prof Tony Peaker explains that “during the first hours of operation, after installation, a solar panel’s efficiency drops [around 2%]”, a phenomenon known as LID (light induced degradation).  The experimental and theoretical approach taken by the researchers has identified the mechanism responsible for LID.  The research has uncovered the “existence of a material defect which initially lies dormant within the silicon used to manufacture the cells”.

For more information, please visit the University of Manchester’s website.