Researchers at UT are working to improve the efficiency of solar panels, which could lead to lower energy costs in Texas, according to Brian Korgel, chemical engineering professor.

Korgel spoke at the UT Energy Symposium on Thursday about increasing access to solar and nanotechnology in Texas.

Korgel’s team is replacing silicon slabs in solar panels with cadmium telluride ink, a new synthetic material made of crystals, because the material is smaller and the crystals absorb sunlight better.