Solo coding is tricky because you're working in a vacuum. Pull someone else in to put some accountability and focus your direction.
You don't need pair programming, but having to explain to someone what the next step is really makes it clear what the next step is.
My company instituted code reviews and I spent some time coming up with why they are useful:
http://jasonhasalife.blogspot.com/2008/07/code-reviews-are-your-friend.html
I am a huge fan, just for what can be learned. But I agree that often corporate 'code reviews' are nothing more than a boring meeting.
I think you could say 500x if they are correct in stating current solar panels only absorb visible light. Then saying they absorb 90%, is only 90% of visible light. If he created a cell that can absorb UV then it is possible to absorb more 'light'.