Maybe the efficiency only counts the visible radiation? So that the fact that it...

ks · on Sept 20, 2008

Yes, I think you're right.

From the article: Most solar cells in use today are either photovoltaic, meaning they harness only visible light, or thermal.

Also: they're engineered to stand freely in three dimensions

So you have panels that catch both visible and UV light, and can do it in three dimensions.

hugh · on Sept 20, 2008

The amount of energy coming through in the UV portion of the spectrum is quite small:

Everything to the left of the "visible light" portion.

PieSquared · on Sept 20, 2008

Huh. In that case, there's no way that '500 times' can have any bearing towards reality whatsoever. :)