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BY Tali Aaron : April 13

Glitter Sized Photovoltaic Cells Use Less Silicon, Generate More Electricity

sandia tiny solar cells


Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed an impressively efficient solar cell that is no bigger than a flake of glitter. This new tiny cell uses 100 times less silicon to generate the same amount of electricity as conventional solar cells. This new cell could be easily commercialized since it is made of crystalline silicon and uses the same micro-manufacturing processes typical of modern electronics. In addition, the Sandia researchers expect these new solar cells to be less expensive, more durable and more efficient that conventional solar cells.

Some pretty cool potential applications include: applying to irregular surfaces including fabrics great for the U.S. military to power its electronics-laden field personnel, applying directly to roofing materials, which may eliminate the cumbersome permitting process currently needed to install a conventional rooftop solar array, and use in surgical implants.

[via Cleantechnica]

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Posted in: Alternative Energy, Solar Energy
Tags: solar cell (37)   eco (405)   energy (1166)   Solar (614)   electricity (76)   cells (5)   sustainable (380)   photovoltaic (212)   military applications (3)   alternative energy (122)   clean energy (173)   
Last Modified: April 13, 2010 at 12:33 pm
First Published: December 29, 2009 at 10:39 am

15 Responses to Glitter Sized Photovoltaic Cells Use Less Silicon, Generate More Electricity

  2. buildaroo on October 29, 2012 at 3:36 am


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  3. IQA on June 1, 2012 at 11:50 am


    Solar cell the size of a glitter flake is to be even more efficient http://t.co/QUwjGdOs

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  4. buildaroo on June 1, 2012 at 11:13 am


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  6. buildaroo on July 23, 2011 at 1:34 am


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  7. buildaroo on February 17, 2011 at 1:32 am


    Glitter Sized Photovoltaic Cells Use Less Silicon, Generate More... http://bit.ly/724DjE #eco #cleantech #greenbuilding #renewableenergy

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  8. David Lee on December 29, 2009 at 11:35 pm


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  9. Theresa Stroisch on December 29, 2009 at 9:17 pm


    RT @buildaroo: New glitter sized photovoltaic cells use less silicon, generate ... http://bit.ly/724DjE #renewableenergy #green #eco #solar

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  10. Jeremy Weiland on December 29, 2009 at 7:00 pm


    RT @rvagreendrinks RT @buildaroo New glitter sized photovoltaic solar cells use less silicon, generate more electricity http://bit.ly/724DjE

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  11. DREW.B on December 29, 2009 at 6:48 pm


    RT @buildaroo: New glitter sized photovoltaic solar cells use less silicon, generate more electricity http://bit.ly/724DjE

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  12. RVA Green Drinks on December 29, 2009 at 6:43 pm


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  13. GreenModernKits on December 29, 2009 at 6:43 pm


    RT @buildaroo: New glitter sized photovoltaic solar cells use less silicon, generate more electricity http://bit.ly/724DjE

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