China s third generation flexible solar panels

What is a flexible silicon solar cell?

In the study “ Flexible silicon solar cells with high power-to-weight ratios,” published in nature, the scientists said the new cell ranges in thickness from 57 μm to 125 μm and is made using M6 wafers with an area of 274.4 cm 2.

How efficient is a silicon solar cell?

The cell achieved a certified power conversion efficiency of 26.06% with a thickness of 57 μm, with Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research confirming the result. Researchers keep pushing the limits of silicon solar cell technology in a quest to use less material in thinner and lighter cells without sacrificing efficiency or durability.

How efficient are silicon heterojunction solar cells?

Lin H, Yang M, Ru X, et al. Silicon heterojunction solar cells with up to 26.81% efficiency achieved by electrically optimized nanocrystalline-silicon hole contact layers. Nat Energy, 2023 Liu W, Liu Y, Yang Z, et al. Flexible solar cells based on foldable silicon wafers with blunted edges. Nature, 2023, 617: 717–723 Correspondence to Rui Jia.

Can a silicon solar cell withstand repeated bending?

The silicon solar cell can be folded like a sheet of paper and can withstand repeated bending, according to the scientists. Photo: Liu Wenzhu

Which solar cell has the highest power-to-weight ratio?

The 57 μm solar cell had also the highest power-to-weight ratio (1.9 W g −1) and open-circuit voltage (761 mV). The results were validated by Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin.