Solar3D Unveils First Working Prototype
09/05/2012| 03:05am US/Eastern
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Company's 3D light trapping prototype exceeds expectations by
producing at least 250% of the power of a basic silicon solar cell
Solar3D, Inc. (OTCBB: SLTD), the developer of a breakthrough
3-dimensional solar cell technology to maximize the conversion of
sunlight into electricity, today announced the successful fabrication
and operation of a working 3-dimensional silicon solar cell that
produces at least 250% of the power of a basic silicon solar cell.
Dr. Changwan Son, Solar3D's Director of Technology, commented, "When
measured relative to a conventional solar cell design, our working
prototype produces electricity beyond our previous expectations. First,
we fabricated our working prototype. Then we created a simple cell based
on the conventional design, using the same fabrication environment, to
serve as a control sample. By measuring the side-by-side power output of
both cells, we were able to determine the relative performance under a
number of conditions, ranging from bright sunlight to lower, diffuse
light. In each test, our 3D Solar Cell consistently outperformed the
control cell and produced at least 2˝ times the amount of electricity
under the same conditions."
"This is a game-changing result," said Jim Nelson, CEO of Solar3D. "Two
powerful characteristics of our 3D Solar Cell make it superior to
current technology. First, it is substantially more efficient in
producing power. Second, is our wide-angle light collection feature,
which allows our 3D Solar Cell to collect light at all times of the day,
month and year, an attribute unique in the solar world. Our computer
simulation analysis indicated that the combination of these two features
would produce double the power of a conventional solar cell. Based on
the performance of our first working prototype, it appears that our 3D
Solar Cell will exceed even that ambitious expectation. This device
could be a giant leap forward, allowing solar power to achieve grid
parity."
Dr. Son continued, "Our mandate was to create a solar cell that would
produce substantially more power than the current technology at a low
enough cost of production to deliver a considerably lower cost per watt
of solar electricity. We spent the first half of the year completing our
fabrication process methodology. In July, we announced the fabrication
and showed pictures of the first cell. Now, we have an actual working
cell that produces substantially more power than the control samples,
which fulfills part one of our two-part goal. Now, our near term
objective is to continue to improve the fabrication process and the
power output, as we optimize the cost of manufacturing. We believe that
the result will be a 50% reduction in the cost of solar electricity.
Perhaps the installed system cost savings will be even greater."
Mr. Nelson concluded, "We are focused on bringing this breakthrough
technology to market. Our next major step will be to produce a
manufacturing prototype, which is required to undertake a pilot
production run in early 2013. The pilot run will prove the 3D Cell's
performance characteristics in a production environment and lead us to a
manufacturing partner and entry into the marketplace by the end of 2013."
To see a scanning electron microscope photo of the prototype
nanostructures please visit - http://www.solar3d.com.
About Solar3D, Inc.
Solar3D, Inc. is developing a breakthrough 3-dimensional solar cell
technology to maximize the conversion of sunlight into electricity. Up
to 30% of incident sunlight is currently reflected off the surface of
conventional solar cells, and more is lost inside the solar cell
materials. Inspired by light management techniques used in fiber optic
devices, our innovative solar cell technology utilizes a 3-dimensional
design to trap sunlight inside micro-photovoltaic structures where
photons bounce around until they are converted into electrons. An
innovative wide-angle light collection feature on the cell surface
allows for the collection of sunlight over a range of angles during the
day. This next generation solar cell will be dramatically more
efficient, resulting in a lower cost per watt that will make solar power
affordable for the world. To learn more about Solar3D, please visit our
website at http://www.Solar3D.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words
"anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and
similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual
results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those
contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements
contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on
the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and
uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and
other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets,
product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and
local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions
subsequently; and other factors detailed in reports filed by the Company.
For Solar3D, Inc.
Diane Lefrandt
801/350-9412
Diane_lefrandt@coltrin.com
© Business Wire 2012
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