A Canadian firm has developed a method of making solar cells that may increase efficiency and reduce costs by as much as 25%. They are using an electrode in lieu of typical silver conductors, which lets them expose more of the top layer to sunlight. It also lets them use a thinner top layer of silicon (most panels have two layers) which lets more sunlight reach the second layer. All in all, the new cells should be more efficient and may be available within the next 1 to 2 years.

This would be one more step in making solar more affordable and more efficient. I am betting that within the next few years solar, wind, and biofuels will become much stronger competitors to oil.

The link to the story is below:
Solar