Embodiments of the present invention are directed to photovoltaic cells configured with two or more nanowire-based, light-absorption layers, each layer capable of absorbing a different portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic cell comprises a substrate configured with a first planar surface, a second planar surface opposite the first planar surface, and an opening. The photovoltaic cell includes a first photovoltaic cell disposed on the first planar surface and having a first set of nanowires extending over the opening. The photovoltaic cell includes a second photovoltaic cell disposed on the second planar surface and having a second set of nanowires extending over the opening opposite the first set of nanowires.