The Economic Times

In 1991, EPFL scientists Brian ORegan and Michael Grtzel developed solar cells inspired by plant photosynthesis. 34 years later, the technology had reached 12% efficiency

In 1991, EPFL scientists Brian ORegan and Michael Grtzel developed a solar cell inspired by plant photosynthesis. Their dye-sensitized solar cell offered a new way to capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. The idea was simple, but improving its performance took decades of research. About 34 years later, the technology had reached roughly 12% efficiency in laboratory testing, showing how a plant-inspired idea had matured into a practical clean-energy technology.