Ascent's latest breakthrough in solar cells for space environments weighs 66% less than comparable PV systems (photo by NASA [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons)
Ascent Solar Technologies, a developer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art, flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules with headquarters in Thornton (CO), USA, has announced a major breakthrough in power-to-weight ratio for its superlight solar module. The device delivers over 1700W of power per kilogram, operating at AM0, technically known as the space environment.
R&D teams of Dresden-based Heliatek GmbH have reached a record conversion efficiency of 13.2% for an OPV multi-junction cell, setting a new world record for the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity using organic photovoltaic cells. The measurement was independently confirmed by Fraunhofer CSP (centre for silicon photovoltaics) in Halle, Germany.
A polymer film coating with the ability to turn contact lenses into computer screens is set to transform the wearable visual aids into the next generation of consumer electronics.
