# Super-Efficient Solar Cells Physicist Harry Atwater is Designing Advanced Eco-Technology By Ryan Fowler | Published 2013-05-10 | Updated 2013-05-14 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-solar-cells References: [news.discovery](http://news.discovery.com/tech/alternative-power-sources/solar-power-tech-could-double-efficiency-130509.htm) & [technologyreview](http://www.technologyreview.com/featuredstory/513671/ultra-efficient-solar-power/) Physicist Harry Atwater is designing super efficient solar cells. Atwater works at the [California Institute of Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/led-lighting-systems), his team is working on an efficient solar cell that is designed to absorb more energy from an unused spectrum of light and convert 50 percent of sunlight into electricity. This will be a major breakthrough in solar technology, the new cells will dwarf the capabilities of the current solar panels and quite possibly be the new leader in alternative energy. Although this technology is still far too expensive to market to the general public, Atwater and his team have received numerous grants to help push this project further. There are high hopes that the new cells will eventually become a major contributor to the [power grid](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion) -- these cells are strong enough that only one panel could power a whole house from only six hours of sunlight. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Super-efficient Solar Cells:** Designing solar cells that absorb more energy and convert 50 percent of sunlight into electricity. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Solar Energy:** Developing advanced solar technology that surpasses current capabilities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [Ultra-Thin Solar Panel Coatings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-2.md) - [Flexible Solar Film Energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heliafilm.md) - [Consolidated Photovoltaic Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photovoltaic-systems.md) - [3D Solar Panel Modules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tipa.md) - [Solar Panel Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tapestry.md) - [Heritage Building-Blending Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-solar.md) - [Lunar Material-Based Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-dust.md) - [Efficient Energy Harvesting Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-energy-harvesting.md)