Solar3D's boost solar cell output by 10% with 2nd prototype

Jul 16, 2013 - Solar3D Inc (OTC:SLTD), the US company developing a three-dimensional (3D) silicon solar cell, said Tuesday its second prototype is completed and producing nearly 10% more than the first version of its solar cell.

The initial prototype had an efficiency of 25%.

The company used thinner silicon to make the new prototype, whose completion brings Solar3D a step closed to commercialisation. It explained that it had fine-tuned the 3D light collecting structures so as to collect even more light at angles that are wider than in the original version.

The design of Solar3D’s solar cells, according to its manufacturer, allows them to generate "at least 250% of the power of a basic silicon solar cell". A wide-angle modification made early in 2012 also allows the cell to keep its high efficiency over a wider range of incident angles, meaning that its output is greater than that of other solar cells in the morning and evening hours as well as in the winter.

“We believe the combination of high efficiency and wide angle collection is the key to lowering the cost per watt of silicon solar cells and the widespread adoption of solar technology,” said chief executive Jim Nelson.

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