Shockley–Queisser limit
In physics, the radiative efficiency limit (also known as the detailed balance limit, Shockley–Queisser limit, Shockley–Queisser efficiency limit or SQ limit) is the maximum theoretical efficiency of a solar cell using a single p–n junction to collect power from the cell where the only loss mechanism is radiative recombination in the solar cell. It was first calculated by William Shockley and Hans-Joachim Queisser at Shockley Semiconductor in 1961, giving a maximum efficiency of 30% at 1.1 eV. The limit is one of the most fundamental to solar energy production with photovoltaic cells, and is one of the field's most important contributions.