In the version of the Commentary 'Opportunities and challenges for quantum dot photovoltaics' originally published (Nature Nanotech. 10, 994–997; 2015), refs 25, 26 and 31 should have been 'https://mitei.mit.edu/futureofsolar', 'https://www.irena.org' and 'www.picon-solar.de', respectively. Corrected in the online versions 16 February 2016.