These aren’t your parent’s solar photovoltaic cells.
In December, scientists at Sandia National Laboratories announced their development of tiny glitter-sized photovoltaic cells.
While the cells range from about 14 to 20 micrometers in thickness, they carry the same efficiency as traditional photovoltaic cells.
The cells are a breakthrough in solar technology because they could be attached to unusual shapes because of their small size and the have endless possibilities for applications they can be attached to.
“Eventually units could be mass-produced and wrapped around unusual shapes for building-integrated solar, tents and maybe even clothing,” said Greg Nielson, a Sandia lead investigator. “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.”
According to a press release by Sandia, the cells are made using microelectronic and microelectromechanical systems techniques.
“Each cell is formed on silicon wafers, etched and then released inexpensively in hexagonal shapes,” stated the company’s press release. “With electrical contacts prefabricated on each piece, by borrowing techniques from integrated circuits and MEMS.”
Sandia’s cells are 10 times thinner than normal photovoltaic cells and can be fabricated from most wafer sizes.
The tiny cells also come with a smaller manufacturing cost and can even help builders and users save money down the road because of the cells reliability and low installation costs.
And because the cells use individual wiring, Nielson said they can also generate more power while in the shade than regular cells, when tend to be shaded more by thicker power lines.
“The shade tolerance of our units to overhead obstructions is better than conventional PV panels,” said Nielson, “because portions of our units not in shade will keep sending out electricity where a partially shaded conventional panel may turn off entirely.”