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.
The Danish start-up company infinityPV has launched a crowdfunding campaign for its new HeLi-on product, a super compact solar charger for the pocket. Using a powerful and flexible solar panel, HeLi-on is reported to facilitate phone charging significantly. The panel is assisted by a built-in rechargeable battery that ensures power even on a cloudy day.
The organic/hybrid printed photovoltaic field is growing and reaching the production scale, where the development of large area processes is urgently needed. To this aim, researchers from CEA-Liten, based at the French Institut National de l’Energie Solaire (INES), have developed a flexible organic photovoltaic module manufactured entirely by inkjet printing processes.
