Flexible solar panel uses thin-film cells (photos)

May 20, 2011 11:33 AM PDT

Using a proprietary manufacturing process that layers copper, indium, gallium, and selenium on a flexible metal substrate, SoloPower can create thin-film solar panels in flexible rolls, which, the company says, are not only easy to manufacture but also to transport and install. For example, the panels can be applied directly to rooftops without the need for framing systems.

San Jose, Calif.-based SoloPower claims that just these few microns of semiconductor material--layers vary from a few nanometers to tens of micrometers thick--can generate returns that rival traditional silicon photovoltaic systems. In short: equal energy, fewer materials.

Photo by James Martin/CNET

Caption by James Martin

Source: http://news.cnet.com/2300-11386_3-10007770.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20

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