Cuts in a flexible backing for solar cells allow a flat solar panel to separate into many small cells that can track the sun across the sky. Tracking provides a 20 to 40 percent improvement in the amount of energy captured by the cells.
Unlike conventional, motorized sun-tracking solar panels, these could be lightweight and aerodynamic enough for residential roofs, which make up 80 percent of solar panel installations in the U.S.
This video was produced by Aaron Lamoureux, a doctoral student in materials science & engineering at the University of Michigan.
Kyusang Lee, a doctoral student in electrical engineering & computer sciences; Matthew Shlian, a lecturer in Art & Design; Stephen Forrest, the the Peter A. Franken Distinguished University Professor of Engineering, Paul G. Goebel Professor of Engineering and a professor of physics, electrical engineering & computer science and materials science & engineering; and Max Shtein, an associate professor of materials science & engineering, chemical engineering, art & design and macromolecular science & engineering; also contributed to this work.
Nature, Nature Publishing Group and external media have permission to reproduce this video with appropriate attribution.
For more information:
Journal article: http://www.dx.doi.org/10.1038/ncomms9092
Max Shtein: http://www.mse.engin.umich.edu/people/fac/mshtein
Matt Shlian: http://www.mattshlian.com/
Forrest Lab: http://www.umich.edu/~ocm/
Post time: Jul-03-2017