Shockley-Queisser limit

The Shockley-Queisser limit is a theoretical maximum efficiency for converting sunlight into electricity using a single-junction solar cell. It considers fundamental physical factors, such as how the cell absorbs photons, the energy losses during conversion, and thermal effects. Under ideal conditions, a solar cell cannot convert more than about 33% of sunlight into usable electrical energy due to these inherent limitations. This limit guides researchers in understanding the best possible performance for solar panels made from a single type of material and helps identify areas for improving solar energy technology.