Solar Panels (IMAGE) University of Texas at Austin Caption Efficiency is a problem in silicon-based solar cells, which currently account for about 95% of the solar energy market. They convert less than 30% of the energy in sunlight into electricity. About half of the lost energy is due to heat generation within the silicon cell. Credit University of Texas at Austin Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.