Solar3D has revealed the details for its new solar cell and plans to have developed a working prototype by the end of 2011. The three-dimensional micro-photovoltaic cell is inspired by light management techniques used in fiber optic devices and Solar3D claim it has the potential to dramatically change the economics of solar energy.
“Our research, analysis and experimentation to date have allowed us to outline our development process and timetable with a high degree of confidence,” said Jim Nelson, CEO of Solar3D. “We are ahead of the original schedule that we set for ourselves in terms of timing and expected output.”
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According to Nelson, Solar3D have set out four key milestones for 2011 to help guide the efforts of the development team including: the design of the light-trapping element and three-dimensional micro-photovoltaic structure of the cell; determining its life expectancy; and the fabrication of a prototype.
Nelson added, “It is exciting to see scientific theory become a reality. We are re-engineering the solar cell from scratch to make a next generation product that is much more efficient than existing technology. But equally important is that we are creating a design that will be compatible with existing fabrication processes and mass-production facilities. Hence, we will get a compounded impact on lowering the cost per watt of solar photovoltaics.
“We have a passion for the process. By combining micro-photovoltaics with advanced light management technology and production engineering into a novel three-dimensional solar cell, we believe that affordable access to the power of the sun will be a reality.”