Researchers have developed silicon-based solar cells thinner than an A4 sheet of paper, a significant advancement in solar technology.
While traditional silicon cells are rigid and suitable mainly for ground-mounted solar farms, these thinner cells offer flexibility, enabling deployment on curved surfaces like satellites. The new cells, only 50 micrometers thick, offer benefits such as reduced material usage, weight, and deployment costs.
Despite concerns about energy conversion efficiency, the researchers achieved a remarkable improvement in efficiency, surpassing the standard PCE limit of 26 percent. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for flexible solar cells in various applications, including drones, blimps, and wearable smart devices, marking a significant step towards more versatile and efficient solar energy solutions.