Company simplifies design of its 25% super-efficient solar cell to substantially reduce the mass production cost
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — January 11, 2012 — Solar3D, Inc. (OTCBB: SLTD), the developer of a breakthrough 3-dimensional solar cell technology to maximize the conversion of sunlight into electricity, today announced a design breakthrough that will substantially reduce the mass production cost of its new super-efficient solar cell.
“This is the type of design breakthrough that makes me proud to be working with innovative engineers and scientists,” said Jim Nelson, President and CEO of Solar3D. “Our original 3D cell was designed with two stages where light collecting elements, made from glass or polymer, are coupled with 3-dimensional light trapping micro-photovoltaic structures made on a silicon wafer. This original design allowed us to achieve high efficiency. However, integrating two different types of materials and elements into a single cell manufacturing process is costly.”
Mr. Nelson continued, “We challenged our technical team to come up with an improved design that will allow for low cost manufacturing. The result is an elegant single element design where the light collecting function is creatively merged into the micro-photovoltaic structures on a single silicon wafer. We believe that our improved design can be manufactured in a single silicon wafer processing line, instead of a complex multi-material process. In the world of PV, every step of manufacturing process adds a significant cost component. We are very excited about our new design breakthrough and expect our manufacturing cost to be dramatically reduced.”
Inspired by light management techniques used in fiber optic devices, 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. Solar3D’s management believes that this breakthrough solar cell design will dramatically change the economics of solar energy.
As the Company nears the completion of its prototype, management will seek a fabrication partner, most likely in the semiconductor industry, who will participate in bringing the product to market.
About Solar3D, Inc.
Solar3D, Inc. is developing a breakthrough 3-dimensional solar cell technology to maximize the conversion of sunlight into electricity. Up to 30% of incident sunlight is currently reflected off the surface of conventional solar cells, and more is lost inside the solar cell materials. Inspired by light management techniques used in fiber optic devices, our 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. This next generation solar cell will be dramatically more efficient, resulting in a lower cost per watt that will make solar power affordable for the world. To learn more about Solar3D, please visit our website at http://www.Solar3D.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently; and other factors detailed in reports filed by the Company.
Contact:
Solar3D, Inc.
James Nelson, 805-690-9000
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