This year spells big changes for the solar light and solar research industries. Recent advances in technology are going to change the ways that we collect and manage solar energy. The US Military has recently published a release indicating a new patent that could be a game-changer for years to come.
The recent military patent unveiled a new style of solar cell that is significantly more compact and more cost-effective than existing solar cell models. The new cell has been coined a “photonic bandcap solar cell.”
Dr. Michael Scalora, co-founder of the solar cell, is a research physicist working on the project in conjunction with the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center located in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Scalora said, “Current solar cells based on single crystal (pure) silicon have advanced significantly over the years.” These new cells, which Scalora calls “low-cost, compact, flexible and efficient,” are the embodiment of significant advancements in solar cell research.
This breakthrough is the result of a scientific research endeavor starting over two decades ago, in 1990. According to Scalora, the “invention inserts layers of metals like silver and gold between the various semiconductor layers, resulting in a combined thickness of only a few hundred nanometers.” Just to put it into perspective, a normal sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick.
Wayne Davenport, Scalora’s supervisor and the Optical Sciences Function Chief of the Weapons Development and Integration Directorate believes this breakthrough will benefit both the military and private sector.
According to the release, the new photonic bandgap solar cells will offer more efficient and better regulated control of reflection, transmission spectra and energy absorption, offering more efficient solar energy solutions in the future through further development.
At Solar Light, we’re eagerly looking forward to seeing this product more formally developed, so that we can further improve the products we deliver to our clientele worldwide. With this product, we could see serious advancements on our solar sensors, UV meters and much more.
We’re always finding ways to better ourselves, which is why you’ll be able to find us at the Florida Sunscreen Symposium in September. Stay tuned and stay in touch for more info.
To view the US Army’s Press Release please visit this link: http://www.army.mil/article/151552/Breakthrough_in_solar_cell_research_results_in_patent/
