The first back-contact micron photovoltaic cell was developed

Experimental schematic diagram. Image source: Physicists Organization website

An international research team led by the University of Ottawa in Canada has developed the world's first back-contact micron photovoltaic cell. Compared with traditional solar technology, the thickness of the new cell is only twice the width of a hair, and it is expected to reduce the cost of energy production to a quarter of the original, laying the foundation for the miniaturization of electronic devices. The relevant paper was published in the latest issue of the journal Cell Reports Material Science.

Compared with other photovoltaic cells, the back-contact cell has no grid lines on the front, and the positive and negative electrodes are all moved to the back of the cell, which helps to absorb more sunlight. The product has a beautiful appearance and is suitable for use in outdoor and industrial and commercial rooftops, which is conducive to promotion in the distributed market.

The researchers pointed out that these micron photovoltaic cells have remarkable characteristics. Their extremely small size reduces the shadow effect by 95%. The shadow effect refers to the shadow that will be generated if there is an obstruction blocking part of the light from the solar cell. The current generated by the shadow part will be much smaller than the current under normal light, which will reduce the power generation efficiency of the solar cell.

Back-contact micron photovoltaic cells are expected to be used in many fields, making electronic devices more compact, and promoting the development of lightweight nuclear batteries for space exploration, as well as small devices for telecommunications and the Internet. This technological breakthrough is expected to bring cheaper and more powerful solar cells and accelerate energy transformation.