SANTA BARBARA, CA--(Marketwired - Jun 18, 2013) - Solar3D, Inc. (
"The Solar3D cell is a fundamentally new cell design that squeezes more power out of silicon, the most abundant solar material on Earth. We have now fine tuned our 2012 prototype design to use much thinner silicon wafers by optimizing the depth, width and angle of the trenches of the three-dimensional photovoltaic microstructures. The original prototype exceeded our expectations but this new one will be even better. Cost will come down and power will increase with this fine tuned design," said Jim Nelson, CEO of Solar3D.
The initial 2012 prototype design was calculated to produce just over 25% efficiency -- the highest of any silicon solar cell. Even more important was an originally unanticipated feature -- wide-angle light collection allowing for electricity creation throughout more times of the days and seasons. While the thinner silicon will create an increase in the efficiency of the cell, the real focus of Solar3D's continuing effort is the optimization of the 3-D structures to increase the length of time during which light can be effectively converted to electricity, relative to current technology. Current technology is most effective for a few hours in the middle of the day.
"Wide angle light collection is the real key to creating dramatically more power within the technology," Nelson continues. "While we are stretching toward a practical maximum in efficiency, there is a lot more light that we can convert by reaching earlier and later in the days and seasons, and even collecting diffuse light in places like Seattle and England."
Inspired by light management techniques used in fiber optic devices, the company's innovative solar cell technology utilizes a 3-dimensional design to trap sunlight inside micro-photovoltaic structures where photons bounce around until they are converted into electrons. Solar3D's working, proof-of-concept prototype of its innovative solar cell has prepared the firm to focus on the new product's commercialization -- leading them to the current discussions.
Nelson concluded, "We know that this technology works. We continue to refine it -- producing more power and making it at a lower cost."
About Solar3D, Inc.
Solar3D, Inc. is developing a breakthrough 3-dimensional solar cell technology to maximize the conversion of sunlight into electricity. Up to 30% of incident sunlight is currently reflected off the surface of conventional solar cells, and more is lost inside the solar cell materials. Inspired by light management techniques used in fiber optic devices, our innovative solar cell technology utilizes a 3-dimensional design to trap sunlight inside micro-photovoltaic structures where photons bounce around until they are converted into electrons. An innovative wide-angle light collection feature on the cell surface allows for the collection of sunlight over a range of angles during the day. This next generation solar cell will be dramatically more efficient, resulting in a lower cost per watt that will make solar power affordable for the world. To learn more about Solar3D, please visit our website at http://www.Solar3D.com .
Safe Harbor Statement
Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently; and other factors detailed in reports filed by the Company.
Press Contact : Jim Nelson Email Contact 805/690-9000
