Researchers have developed the world’s first flexible “solar panel” thin enough to be applied as a coating on various objects, transforming them into portable energy sources. This breakthrough technology allows for the creation of solar cells 150 times thinner than current silicon-based panels without sacrificing energy efficiency. These ultra-thin panels could be easily printed onto items like cars or smartphone cases, enabling on-the-go charging and reducing the need for large solar farms.
The new material, just over one micron thick (0.001 mm), was developed by scientists at the University of Oxford. It uses perovskite structures—synthetic versions of calcium titanium oxide—to generate electricity from sunlight. Perovskites offer the potential for cheaper, flexible, and lightweight solar panels compared to traditional silicon cells.
Despite challenges in stabilizing perovskites, the Oxford team successfully created a solar film that achieved 27% efficiency in converting sunlight to energy, outperforming the approximate 22% efficiency of current silicon panels. By employing a “multi-junction” approach, which combines layers sensitive to different light wavelengths, the researchers enhanced the material’s photosensitivity and stability.
This innovation could lead to widespread application of solar coatings on various surfaces, including car roofs, buildings, and mobile phones. As perovskite technology advances, it could potentially exceed 45% efficiency, significantly increasing power generation per square inch of material while also functioning in low-light conditions.
