When I think about Quantum Dot Solar Cells, I think of them as a form of quantum dots in a conductive polymer, an anode and cathode, all encased between two sheets of sturdy plastic, for a semi-flexible, bi-facial, transparent solar cell that can be manufactured by a roll-to-roll process.
There is another application for large-scale quantum dot solar.
Concentrated PV (CPV) Systems work by concentrating sunlight onto quantum dots in the center base of the collector. The higher level of concentrated solar light/energy greatly increased the efficiency of the system. Different methods are used to concentrate the light onto the small quantum dot solar cell in the collector.
Theoretically, QD CPV should have a cost and efficiency advantage over QDSC films, because they use fewer quantum dots and less general polymer materials. When QD were very expensive the cost difference was great. With lower QD costs now, that difference may have dissipated. One factor mitigating against their commercialization is that concentrated light generates high heat. The quantum dots would need to be heat, moisture and air resistant and have an electron transport system that worked under those conditions. To be continued...