If they succeed in making cheap cells out of this material and they can make better, cheaper batteries (inverters are already pretty darned good), I could see this leading to a day when a power distribution infrastructure is no longer necessary for residences in sunnier areas. I don't think I even need to point out the implications for space use, but we could have practical solar cars. Solar aircraft could see wider applications, which might not be so good for the launch industry. Ultra-cheap communications satellites and ground imaging, anyone?
From their description, it sounds like this stuff would make a good roofing material, too. Sign me up! You can actually buy triple junction cells pretty easily, but they're not cheap, and from what the article said, there are dual junction cells that are more efficient. Strange that I just finished reading "Let there be light," where Heinlein predicted solar panels (full spectrum no less) and LEDs (though using piezoelectrics) in the 1940s! -- Sean R. Lynch <http://sean.lynch.tv/>
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