New solar panels inspired by Japanese art of paper cutting
SEP 14, 2015
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.029200
MIT Technology Review : A system of flexible solar cells has been developed that can more efficiently capture the Sun’s rays than conventional panels. Based on the Japanese art of kirigami, the new system uses a thin-film gallium arsenide material, which is cut into a design that allows it to flex and tilt as its two ends are pulled in opposite directions. Unlike conventional tracking systems, the entire panel does not move as a unit but rather becomes an array of tilted surfaces as it is stretched. The solar tracking mechanism is only in the prototype stage; more work will be needed before it is ready for commercial use.
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