Solar3D, a developer of a 3-dimensional solar cell
technology to maximize the conversion of sunlight into electricity, announced
that their new silicon solar cell design will produce 25.47 percent conversion
efficiency.
“Our recent tests involve a larger design that contains
multiple micro 3D photovoltaic structures that will make up a complete Solar3D
cell. The results have exceeded our expectations. If the results of the simulations
hold up in fabrication, as we expect, our cell’s performance will be the
highest conversion efficiency achieved in silicon solar cells,” said Jim
Nelson, president and CEO of Solar3D.
Up to 30 percent of incident sunlight is currently
reflected off the surface of conventional solar cells, and more is lost inside
the solar cell materials. This new solar cell design is expected to
significantly change the economics of solar energy.
The company’s new solar cell technology utilizes a 3-dimensional design, inspired by light management techniques used
in fiber optic devices. This design with increased cell surface area permits
each solar cell to extract the maximum energy possible out of incident
sunlight. The 3-dimensional design will trap sunlight inside micro-photovoltaic
structures where photons bounce around until they are converted into electrons.
After completion of its prototype, the company’s
management plans to seek a manufacturing partner that will participate in
bringing its 3-dimensional solar cell to market. Likely manufacturing partners
include some of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers.
By GreentechLead.com Team
editor@greentechlead.com