Tiny, glitter-sized solar cells are the perfect alternative energy option for the holiday season. Created by American-government funded Sandia National Laboratories scientists, the snowflake sized crystalline-silicon photovoltaic cells are just 14-20 micrometers thick and measure 0.25 to 1 millimeters across.
Due to their minuscule size, the glitter solar particles have a wide range of possible applications including having the ability to mold around unusual shapes like fabric, turning the clothes you wear into solar power generators.
The innovative design, with silicon cells only 10% as thick as regular ones, also use an estimated 100 times less silicon to generate the same amount of electricity compared to standard solar cells and have a 14.9% efficiency. Because of their small size, and built-in tiny electrical contacts, they also are less susceptible to shading and heating effects which affect larger solar cell performance.
The sequin-like solar cell technology hopefully will soon be appearing on high-tech items such as satellites, right on down to back-backers’ tents to help recharge electronics.
Visit: http://www.sandia.gov/
Via Physorg
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