Now that scientists can look at events the happen on a femtosecond time scale, they will be able to fully understand how plants convert sunlight into energy. Will this improve our solar energy technology?
Photosynthesis is considered to be 5% efficient.1 Solar photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight to electricity that you can buy are from 8 to 22% efficient.2 In the lab they have gotten up to 42% efficiency.3 Solar thermal panels used to heat hot water are from 60 to 80% efficient.4
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Most yes, cause the plants know what they are doing. Solar panels are just replicating the way to take heat and energy from the sun to make into electricity. Plants rule
References :
Only about 14% of the sun’s energy that hits today’s solar panels is converted to electricity. The best panels out there are around 22%. Since the plants live off the sun, I would say they are more efficient.
References :
Photosynthesis is considered to be 5% efficient.1 Solar photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight to electricity that you can buy are from 8 to 22% efficient.2 In the lab they have gotten up to 42% efficiency.3 Solar thermal panels used to heat hot water are from 60 to 80% efficient.4
References :
1 http://www.upei.ca/~physics/p261/Content/Sources_Conversion/Photo-_synthesis/photo-_synthesis.htm
2 http://www.wholesolarpower.com/solar-panels-2/worldwide-pv-panel-efficiency
3 http://www.futurepundit.com/archives/004418.html
4 http://www.heavens-solar.com/schucoflatpanels.htm