Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are pushing the boundaries of solar cell technology by developing what could be the world's thinnest solar cell design. Their goal is to open up new possibilities in the field, especially for applications where weight and flexibility are critical factors.
While current solar cell research often focuses on maximizing energy conversion efficiency while keeping costs low, many designs overlook the importance of being ultra-thin and lightweight. However, for mobile devices and portable electronics, minimizing size and weight has always been a top priority. MIT’s approach aims to bridge this gap by rethinking the traditional structure of solar cells.
Currently, light and thin solar cell designs are gaining traction in niche areas such as aerospace, satellite technology, and remote locations where transportation costs are high. As global resources become scarcer, these ultra-thin cells could play a key role in conserving materials and lowering installation costs.
Jeffrey Grossman, a professor at MIT, envisions a future where solar cells could be built using just two layers of material. His team, including postdoctoral fellow Marco Bernardi and visiting researcher Maurizia Palummo from the University of Rome, is exploring how to make this vision a reality.
Grossman explains that reducing the thickness of the active layer and minimizing packaging can lead to lighter, more durable substrates, which would change the way solar panels are installed. This innovation also addresses a fundamental question: how much energy can be extracted from each atom or bond in a given material?
MIT estimates that their ultra-thin solar cell—essentially a 1-nanometer thick 2D layer—is over 1,000 times more energy-efficient than conventional solar cells. However, it currently has a lower efficiency of around 2%, compared to the 20% efficiency of traditional photovoltaic cells. To overcome this, researchers plan to stack multiple ultra-thin layers to boost performance.
Grossman predicts that stacking two layers could reach 1-2% efficiency, but with more layers, the efficiency could rise significantly. He believes that solar cells made from 2D materials could eventually match the efficiency of today’s traditional PV systems, which range between 10-20%.
The team is currently simulating various ultra-thin materials, including graphene, molybdenum disulfide, and other 2D compounds. These materials offer not only reduced weight and thickness but also greater resistance to environmental factors like oxidation, UV radiation, and moisture—three major causes of degradation in traditional solar cells.
Additionally, the new design eliminates the need for glass covers or cooling systems, potentially cutting installation costs by more than 50%. Marco Bernardi highlights that the goal is to create a flexible, lightweight material that can replace heavy glass-based modules, opening up new avenues for solar panel deployment.
Although the material cost of ultra-thin solar cells is expected to be much lower, the prototype is still in the simulation stage. Researchers are now working on testing different material combinations and stacking configurations in the lab to measure efficiency and long-term stability.
This breakthrough could revolutionize the solar industry, making clean energy more accessible and sustainable in the years to come.
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