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Originally Posted by All Darc
Time will tell us where is the true.
Sunpower already reached 24% efficience in semi flexible solar cells. They have solar panels for home, more expensive than average but more durable, the loss of efficience per years it's much lower than low cost solar panels, the the lifespan it's much higher and helps compensate the higher price.
The battery breakthrough, well... the "glass electrolity" it's alread almost a breakthrough itself, since it allows to create lithium metal bateries instead of lithium ion batteries without fire hazard.
What they need to demosntrate now it's about the alleguetions of increased energy density after hundreds cycles, the sodium batteries with similar perfomance, and the use of lithium in cathode and anode. And of course, the allegations about self charge.
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My point is that we can hope for better technology, but have to use what we actually have now.
I'd be fine with solar panels that only last 20 years and then degrade to 75%. I imagine in 20 years there will be much better stuff to replace it with, so I'd go with low cost over high durability.
No evidence has been presented of this supposed battery breakthrough. I've heard it described as a battery, a capacitor, and a thermopile; all in one. There is nothing that does all that efficiently and cost effectively, and the more it's hyped, the less it's believable. The only thing it hasn't been described as is a clean and safe nuclear reactor, a gravity harvesting battery, an elixir of youth, a stain remover, and a perpetual motion machine.