Tiny glitter-sized photovoltaic cells could revolutionize solar power

Scientists from Sandia National Laboratories have developed tiny, glitter-sized photovoltaic cells that are ten times thinner than conventional solar cells and could one day be used in a variety of applications – from satellites and remote-sensing, to tents and perhaps even clothing. Yep, these cells could turn the average Joe into a walking solar-battery charger.

The Sandia research team identified over 20 benefits of scale for these tiny cells over traditional solar cells, including better performance, more efficiencies and possibly reduced costs. Sandia lead investigator, Greg Nielson said, “Eventually units could be mass-produced and wrapped around unusual shapes for building-integrated solar, tents and maybe even clothing,” he said. This would make it possible for hunters, hikers or military personnel in the field to recharge batteries for phones, cameras and other electronic devices as they walk or rest.”

While solar-charged clothing is not a particularly new concept, these solar particles – made from crystalline silicon – are expected to have more applications, be less expensive and have greater efficiencies than the photovoltaic cells made from six-inch square solar cells. In addition, the team believes that the modules made from the photovoltaic cells could have intelligent controls, inverters and storage integrated at the chip level. An integrated module such as this could reduce problems such as cumbersome design and grid integration processes currently experienced by solar technical assistance teams.

Cheap as chips

The cost reduction is due partly to the fact the microcells don’t need a lot of material to become highly efficient and well-controlled devices. They are just 14 to 20 micrometers thick – a human hair is approximately 70 micrometers thick – and are ten times thinner than a conventional 6 x 6 inch solar cell, however they are capable of being used in large-scale power production. This could mean a reduction in the manufacturing and installation costs when compared to current photovoltaic techniques.

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Tags: revolutionize solar power, sandia national laboratories, solar, solar cell, solar cell efficiency, solar power, Tiny glitter-sized photovoltaic cells

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at 10:43 am and is filed under Cutting-edge Research, Innovation, Nanotech, Project Energy, gizmag. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.