Engineers from MIT developed an ultra-thin paper-like solar cell that can help convert any surface into a power source. Read to know more about the new invention.
What is the paper-like solar cell all about?
MIT engineers developed a new ultra-light and ultra-thin solar cell which can turn almost all surfaces into a sunlight harvester. They are flexible and thinner than human hair. Sticking it to a durable fabric makes it easy to install.
“The present version of our new lightweight photovoltaic (PV) cells is not as efficient in power conversion as silicon PVs, but they weigh much less. In the short run, they would not be used to replace conventional silicon PV installations, but to provide power where silicon PVs cannot be easily installed,” explained Vladimir Bulović. Bulović is the lead author of the study published in the Journal Small Methods.
“For example, they can be used to deliver solar electricity in places that are hard to reach. Being 18 times lighter than silicon PV modules per Watt generated, our PV modules can be easily delivered and installed in remote villages. As our technology gets improved, we expect it will reach the efficiencies presently generated by silicon PVs. At that point, our flexible PV modules can be considered a replacement for silicon PVs,” added the researcher.
More on the new technology
The research team incorporated nanomaterials into printable electronic ink for reacting to these new solar cells. With the help of a “slot-die coater”, they were able to deposit several layers of electronic materials into a 3 microns-thick substrate. Additionally, they employed screen printing for printing and depositing an electrode to complete the solar cell. The printed module is about 15 microns in thickness, much thinner than human hair which averages about 70 microns. However, due to its thin and delicate nature, it can be not easy to use. Hence, they used Dyneema, a special super-thin but strong fabric material to aid in making it usable.
As per the researchers, the new device is highly durable. Additionally, it is capable of retaining over 90 percent of the initial generation. This is incredible as it is after rolling and unrolling the fabric over 500 times. However, they will need encasing for the protection of the environment. (https://www.vidaliaonion.org/) “We are developing lightweight packaging technology that would be flexible and mechanically robust. Which would enable us to maintain the format of the present PV,” added the research team. However, once ready, people can use it on sailboats for getting power while at sea. It also has applications for drones, camping tents, and disaster traps.