Jul 17 2013
Solar3D, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough 3-dimensional solar cell technology to maximize the conversion of sunlight into electricity, today announced that its newest prototype is producing almost 10% more power than the earlier version of its advanced solar cell.
"This new prototype is a leap forward for us," said Changwan Son, Director of Technology for Solar3D. "By using thinner silicon, we have less waste and yield more efficiency -- producing almost 10% more power than our original prototype. And by fine-tuning the 3-dimensional light collecting structures in our solar cell, we are able to collect even more light at wider angles than the original version."
The initial 2012 prototype design was calculated to produce just over 25% efficiency -- the highest of any silicon solar cell. Even more important was an originally unanticipated feature -- wide-angle light collection -- allowing for the generation of electricity throughout more times of the days and seasons. This feature increases the length of time during which light can be effectively converted to electricity, relative to current technology. Current technology is most effective for a few hours in the middle of the day.
"The new prototype moves us closer to our goal of completing a commercial prototype for pilot manufacturing runs. It also confirms our hypothesis that there is still more power to extract from silicon," said Jim Nelson, CEO of Solar3D. "As we push the limits of solar conversion in silicon, it is becoming clear that our wide angle collection feature is the new way to get more electricity out by collecting more light in. We believe the combination of high efficiency and wide angle collection is the key to lowering the cost per watt of silicon solar cells and the widespread adoption of solar technology."
Inspired by light management techniques used in fiber optic devices, the company's innovative solar cell technology utilizes a 3-dimensional design to trap sunlight inside micro-photovoltaic structures where photons bounce around until they are converted into electrons. Solar3D's working, proof-of-concept prototype of its innovative solar cell has prepared the firm to focus on the new product's commercialization -- leading them to the current discussions.
About Solar3D, Inc.
Solar3D, Inc. is developing a breakthrough 3-dimensional solar cell technology to maximize the conversion of sunlight into electricity. Up to 30% of incident sunlight is currently reflected off the surface of conventional solar cells, and more is lost inside the solar cell materials. Inspired by light management techniques used in fiber optic devices, our innovative solar cell technology utilizes a 3-dimensional design to trap sunlight inside micro-photovoltaic structures where photons bounce around until they are converted into electrons. An innovative wide-angle light collection feature on the cell surface allows for the collection of sunlight over a range of angles during the day. This next generation solar cell will be dramatically more efficient, resulting in a lower cost per watt that will make solar power affordable for the world. To learn more about Solar3D, please visit our website at http://www.Solar3D.com.
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Source: http://www.solar3d.com/