[_alxk]

That doesn't preclude that further optimisation of solar panels could stem from research on photosynthesis.

[akira2501]

Perhaps.. but part of the reason plants "lack efficiency" compared to our solid state electronics is that they need respiration to exchange input and output products with the environment and the entire plant needs to be laid out in such a way that it can maintain a root structure while being advantaged with respect to competing vegetation.

The two problem spaces are similar in that they use light, but exceptionally different in almost every other respect.

[lazide]

Also, sunburn is a real problem (aka excessive sun) without enough water or other nutrients for them.