What type of solar energy technology has the most future potential?

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

In terms of dollars per watt, using theoretical efficiency limits, what technology holds the most promise to become the primary solar energy capture technology?

My hunch is carbon-based modules, since materials are abundant and relatively easy to manufacture; however their efficiency currently is nowhere near silicon-based semiconductors. In the future, assuming that scientists will push very close to the theoretical limits, what will provide the most power for the lowest cost?

If this is relevant at all, I am trying to decide where to focus my graduate studies in physics, and I want to contribute in getting the most promising technology to its limit. If you can at least point me in the right direction to figure out the answer myself, I would greatly appreciate it.