Silicon-based photovoltaic cells account for 95% of the cells used in solar panels worldwide despite converting an average of only...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Silicon-based photovoltaic cells account for \(\mathrm{95\%}\) of the cells used in solar panels worldwide despite converting an average of only \(\mathrm{18{-}22\%}\) of the sunlight that reaches them. In a study addressing this relative inefficiency, a team led by Laura Miranda-Pérez demonstrated that the addition of a thin layer of the mineral perovskite—which captures the blue range of light in the solar spectrum, whereas silicon captures the red range—allows the cells to convert \(\mathrm{29.5\%}\) or more of the Sun's energy into usable electricity. Cells made with only perovskite, however, are no more efficient than silicon-based ones. It's reasonable to conclude, then, that ______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Silicon-based photovoltaic cells account for 95% of the cells used in solar panels worldwide despite converting an average of only 18-22% of the sunlight that reaches them." |
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| "In a study addressing this relative inefficiency, a team led by Laura Miranda-Pérez demonstrated that the addition of a thin layer of the mineral perovskite—which captures the blue range of light in the solar spectrum, whereas silicon captures the red range—allows the cells to convert 29.5% or more of the Sun's energy into usable electricity." |
|
| "Cells made with only perovskite, however, are no more efficient than silicon-based ones." |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Adding perovskite to silicon solar cells significantly improves efficiency compared to using either material alone.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes that current silicon solar cells have limited efficiency, then presents research showing that combining silicon with perovskite creates much more efficient cells. The key detail is that these materials capture different parts of the light spectrum, and the final piece notes that perovskite alone isn't better than silicon alone, setting up the need for a conclusion about why the combination is superior.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The evidence shows that combining materials that capture different parts of the light spectrum creates better results than using either material by itself
- So the right answer should explain that the combination works because it captures more of the available solar energy
- Explains that both materials together use "more of the solar spectrum"
- Directly connects to the passage detail that perovskite captures blue light while silicon captures red light
- Logically explains why \(\mathrm{29.5\%+}\) efficiency results from combination when neither alone achieves this
- Claims perovskite-only cells would convert more than \(\mathrm{29.5\%}\)
- Contradicts the passage statement that "cells made with only perovskite...are no more efficient than silicon-based ones"
- Makes extreme claim that solar power is "elusive" and cells need complete replacement
- Passage actually shows solar power advancing through improved cell design
- Suggests evaluating other minerals like perovskite
- Passage doesn't indicate any need to test additional minerals