Alta Devices and Semprium each break record for different kinds of solar energy efficiency

Here's some good news for the environmentally conscious. Two startup companies, Alta Devices and Semprius, have each broken records in their creation of highly efficient solar energy initiatives. Each company make different kinds of solar panels, but both of them have posted record solar energy efficiency rates in the past few days. Alta Devices, based in Santa Clara, CA, announced that its newly improved panels are clocking in a record-breaking 23.5% efficiency rate, verified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The previous highest efficiency rating was 22.9%. Durham, NC-based Semprius, which produces concentrated solar panels, have achieved an efficiency rate of 33.9%, which is also a record. Concentrated solar panels differ from traditional solar panels in that they use ... [Read more]