Nanocrystal, or quantum dot solar cells are part of what is called the 4th generation of solar cell technology. They are considered to be a part of the future of solar power but at this time are still deep in the testing phase. Nanocrystal cells consist of a coating of nanocrystals on a silicon substrate.
New and promising modes of production include "spin-coating." It involves placing a specific amount of nanocrystal or quantum dot solution on a substrate, the substrate is then spun at a very fast rate and the solution subsequently spreads out to form an even coating.
Quantum dot photovoltaic cells show a lot of promise, despite research still being in its very early stages. Proposed advantages include flexibility, low cost, and efficiencies reaching as high as 65 percent.
Plastic Solar Cells / Foil Solar Cells / Carbon Solar Cells / Polymer Solar Cells / Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells / Silicon Solar Cells / Nanocrystal / Organic / Spray-on Solar Cells / Advanced Thin-Film Solar Cells / Thin-Film Solar Cells / Carbon Nanotube Solar Cells / Quantum Dot Solar Cells / Multi-Junction Solar Cells / Hybrid Solar Cells / 3-D Solar Cells