Engineering news
Researchers led by Professor Kyoung Jin Choi at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (Unist) in South Korea developed the solar cell, which uses silicon microwire composites.
Cylindrical silicon rods that absorb light and generate electricity are embedded in a flexible and transparent polymer material. The rods are arranged at intervals which are transparent and invisible to the naked eye. As a result, the new solar cell maintains the transparent and flexible properties of the substrate.
Making transparent cells could initially seem to reduce the amount of solar radiation absorbed, resulting in decreased efficiency. To overcome this potential limitation, the team changed the shape of the microwire tips.
Reflection occurs with conventional solar cells, as well as absorption and transmission of light. Most are unable to take advantage of the reflected light, but the Unist researchers created a structure to absorb reflected light back into the solar cell. Based on analysis of the light absorption mechanism in the silicon rods, the team designed them to absorb the light reflected from adjacent bars.
“Existing transparent solar cells were manufactured on rigid glass substrates, so their application range was limited,” says Professor Choi. The new ones could be used in situations where flexibility is key, however, such as on buildings, vehicles and portable electronic devices.
The efficiency of the new cells was unclear in the research announcement. Professional Engineering contacted the team for more information.
The research was published in Light: Science and Application.
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