Solar panels have always been perceived to be flat and expensive. Proving this common notion wrong is a Japanese company Kyosemi Corporation, which has developed Sphelar, a matrix of tiny spherical shaped solar cells as small as 1mm in diameter.
Flexible as they are, an array of thousands of tiny solar cells in parallel or series can be used to make solar panels in any form.
The design is such that they do not require facing the sun directly in order to absorb energy unlike traditional solar cells.
They can absorb sunlight at any angle at which sun may be during any point of the day.
They optimize the use of direct and indirect light and convert energy with nearly 20% accuracy, far ahead any flat photovoltaic technologies.
While in traditional flat solar cells, a lot of silicon is wasted while manufacturing, the process of making the Sphelar cell is as unique as the technology itself.
The melted silicon is led to a freefall and spheres form naturally by microgravity conditions.
Thereby a cheap and more effective product that is not only eco friendly in performance but in production also.
This technology is more suited for portable electronic devices like hearing aids.
Just like BIPV, it will not block view as it does not require to be mounted on a rooftop.
It is possible in the future to make windows out of this technology that would act as solar panels themselves while maintaining privacy.
Via: Digitalworldtokyo
