The well-known problem with most alternative energy solutions is that, even in a world where oil costs as much as it does now, it's tough to get the numbers to make pure economic sense. So when a new technology claims it'll make solar cells significantly more efficient, it's time to start paying attention.

Yesterday, SF Gate reported that University of Idaho chemistry Professor Pam Shapiro and her team have developed a compound called a "quantum dot" out of elements including copper, indium and selenium. The idea is that this material can be embedded into solar cells to absorb energy that would otherwise escape due to overheating. That, they claim, could allow next generation solar cells to be two to three times more efficient than they are today and, by extension, could begin to make solar much more cost competitive with fossil fuels.

I won't pretend to understand the details of how this works, but a good explanation can be found here in Science News.

Interestingly, while Shapiro claims a working prototype of a quantum dot solar panel is years away, Evident Technologies in Troy New York appears to be putting an early stake in the ground, claiming: "Quantum Dots: We make them – we apply them, we love 'em."

Hmmm. Smells suspiciously like vaporware to me, but I'll check it out. Stay tuned …