UNSW engineers have made a major step forward in the development of a new type of solar cell that could help make future solar panels cheaper, more efficient and more durable.

The research team has improved the performance of solar cells made from antimony chalcogenide, which is an emerging photovoltaic material regarded as a strong candidate for next-generation solar technology.

Antimony chalcogenide has several advantages that make it attractive for use as that top solar cell.

Firstly, it is made from abundant elements that cost relatively little to produce, unlike some high-performance solar materials that rely on scarce or expensive materials.

Secondly, it is inorganic, which means it is inherently more stable than some newer solar materials that can degrade over time.

Thirdly, its high light absorption coefficient means a layer only 300 nanometres thick — about one-thousandth the thickness of a human hair — is enough to harvest sunlight efficiently.

Another benefit is the fact the material can be deposited at low temperatures, reducing energy usage during manufacturing and opening the door to large-scale, low-cost production.

It's great to see Australian researchers making such valuable contributions to the renewable energy sphere.