Centauri, a US-based solar R&D firm, has received a NASA license to develop next-generation solar cells, enhancing both terrestrial and space applications. According to the company, this milestone leverages Centauri’s expertise as a subsidiary of Energy America. The new technology, incorporating a selenium interlayer, improves multijunction solar cell efficiency by 20%. This interlayer allows light to pass from the top cell to the silicon-based bottom cell, bypassing the need for lattice matching. Consequently, the cells are more cost-effective, robust, and efficient than current space-based photovoltaics. The company claims these advanced cells are ideal for vehicles, solar roof tiles, power plants, and smart grid systems.