The possibility that a photovoltaic device based on quantum dots could have a higher maximum efficiency than silicon is more than enough reason to pursue the project. Quantum dots can be manufactured inexpensively. They can be combined with equally inexpensive conducting polymers to produce a more cost-efficient combination.

By far, experiments conducted on quantum dots solar cells have only managed very minimal efficiency. The efficiency ratio is much less than what is needed for a practical device. Project proponents hope to boost the efficiency by modifying the surface of quantum dots. Another alternative would be to improve electron transport between dots.