The microscopic solar cells by Sandia

the website of the magazine ' Computer Active '. , Sandia National Laboratory scientists have developed a miniature solar cells ( diameter of 0.25-1 mm and a thickness of 14-20 microns) of crystalline silicon, which can be placed on any surface - from clothing to tents and satellite. They have a hexagonal shape, the electrical contacts are located in every corner. Each element acts as a conductor and can provide a relatively high voltage, so the cost of switching an array of miniature solar cells are relatively small. According to the developers, even at this stage, the efficiency of one element is 14.9 % (in normal commercial units 13-20 %).

The proposed solar cells are manufactured using the technology of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), with the undeniable advantage is that you can use commercial plates of any size - as widespread today, 300 - and 450- millimeter. Moreover, if one cell is defective, it can be easy to replace, and not to change the battery fully.

To accommodate microscopic solar cells on a substrate can be used commercial equipment used for the assembly of electronics, the speed of these devices up to 130 thousand. cells per hour, the density can be varied in the range of 10-50 thousand. cells per square meter. The cost of placing a cell is about 0.1 cents.