The Avalanche Effect Researchers have found proof of the 'avalanche effect' in specific semiconducting nanocrystals, first discovered in the Los Alamos National Laboratories in 2004. Solar cells at present convert at most 20% of the sun's energy into electricity. Each one photon of light can release just one electron. Semiconducting nanocrystals however may release two or three electrons per photon (the 'avalanche effect'). The prospect of high-output solar cells could drastically improve the cost-effectiveness (and profile) of this renewable energy technology.