MEPV use microdesign and microfabrication techniques to make miniature solar cells, also known as “solar glitter.”
Albuquerque-based mPower has used the technology to create Dragon SCALEs, small, lightweight flexible solar cells that fit into and power devices of any size or shape.
The high-efficiency cells can be integrated into satellites and drones, biomedical and consumer electronics, and can be folded like paper for easy transport.
Dragon SCALEs also provide faster, cheaper installation of solar energy systems on buildings, according to Okandan. The product offers higher voltage, greater reliability and lower energy costs than standard silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells, he said.
“The key limitation to silicon is that if you bend and flex it, it will crack and shatter,” he said. “Our technology makes it virtually unbreakable while keeping all the benefits of high efficiency, high reliability silicon PV.”
Photo caption: Scientist Murat Okandan left Sandia National Laboratories to start mPower Technology Inc., whose primary product is Dragon SCALEs, small, lightweight, flexible solar cells that fit into and power devices or sensors of any shape or size. Okandan, who signed a licensing agreement with Sandia, shows a prototype here. (Photo by Randy Montoya)
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