Solar3D plans to launch 3D solar cell prototype at the end of this year which will be the start before launching into the commercial market for the next one or two years. 3D solar cell technology is claimed to be more efficient and less expensive.
3D solar cell technology was patented by Solar3D in November 2010. In 2011, Solar3D will improve their technology by designing the elements of light-trapping of solar cells, maximize efficiency, and to design the micro-structure of three-dimensional photovoltaic cells. The next step is for the fabrication of prototype models.
Actually, the 3D solar cell work using micro-photovoltaic structures that will trap sunlight then bounce the photons around and then turn into electrons. This can be described as a prism that captures the light to produce a few reflections.
If the breakthrough can be successfully commercialized , it might change the market of solar cells that already exist today.
