Solar3D, Inc. announced yesterday that their technology development is ahead of schedule. Their solar cell technology, inspired by light management techniques used in fiber optic devices, utilizes a 3-dimensional design to trap sunlight inside micro-photovoltaic structures where photons bounce around until they convert into electrons. The Company’s management believes that this breakthrough solar cell design will dramatically change the economics of solar energy.
Mr. Jim Nelson, CEO of Solar3D, Inc., said, “Our fast progress has pushed us past the primary design and simulation phase onto fabrication research and planning activities. Our team is spending more time in the lab and clean room preparing for the actual building of a prototype. We are quite excited about our breakthroughs and the speed of our progress.”
Mr. Nelson continued, “Our effort is focused on completing the prototype so that we can initiate conversations with a fabrication partner in the semiconductor business. We have made substantial preparation to begin those discussions. We are getting closer and closer to making our superefficient 3-dimensional silicon solar cell a reality.”
Key elements of the Company’s progress include completing the design of the optical Light Collector element that funnels light into the light trapping 3D micro-photovoltaic element. In addition, engineers are now close to completing the design of a complete prototype cell that will allow the Company to calculate the overall conversion efficiency.
Furthermore, orders are being placed for items required in the manufacturing process, such as etching masks and materials. Solar3D, Inc. believes their design for manufacturability using existing high-speed semiconductor processes will be the key to the affordable mass production of Solar3D cells.
Headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, Solar3D, Inc. is developing a breakthrough 3-dimensional solar cell technology to maximize the conversion of sunlight into electricity. Up to 30 percent of incident sunlight is currently reflected off the surface of conventional solar cells; more is lost inside the solar cell materials. The Company believes this next generation solar cell will be significantly more efficient, resulting in a lower cost per watt that will make solar power affordable.
For more information visit: www.Solar3D.com
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