Inspired by light management techniques used in fiber optic devices, Solar 3D, a company based in Santa Barbara, Calif developed world's first Solar 3D cell.
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. The
company’s management believes that this breakthrough solar cell design
will dramatically change the economics of solar energy.
A photovoltaic solar cell is basically a diode, and a diode is the most
basic building block of modern day microprocessors and electronics,
Solar3D explains. "The micro-photovoltaic structures that make up our
Solar3D cell are essentially diodes. By designing these 'diodes' in the
correct shape and size, the company believes its 3D structures can
easily be produced in widely available high speed semiconductor
manufacturing facilities," Solar3D emphasizes.
