Lightweight Silicon Solar Cell

About

Researchers from the University's Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems have invented and developed SLIVER technology, which produces thin, bifacial, high quality silicon solar cells and modules. Technology SLIVER technology, invented and developed at The Australian National University's Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems with financial support from Origin Energy, produces ultra-thin, elongated monocrystalline cells that are perfectly bifacial, shade tolerant and highly flexible. The SLIVER cell process uses an innovative micromachining technique to slice the wafer into thousands of tiny strips. The slices are fully functional solar cells, which are then separated from the wafer. The cells are then connected in series to create a cell bank via multiple cell-to-cell redundant interconnects. These lightweight modules are particularly suited for applications where weight and flexibility are key product drivers.