Scientists have found a way to develop solar panels that capture more light. The secret ingredient: bumps on the surface.
Researchers describe how these solar panels work in a study published in the Journal of Photonics for Energy. By incorporating small dome-shaped protrusions into the surface, the amount of light captured can increase by 36 to 66 percent. They also allow light to be captured from more directions at the same time, according to Stady.
Simulation
An important caveat: So far, scientists have only run simulations. The primary goal was to make comparisons with other non-traditional form factors, such as panels with semi-cylindrical shapes rather than protrusions. No physical versions of solar panels have been made yet.
If the technology proves successful, scientists expect some real-world applications. They believe the new solar cells will be particularly useful for wearable devices, such as a smart watch or smart ring, because they can collect light from more directions. Scientists also see a role for biomedical devices and IoT applications.
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