Oxford scientists develop ultra-thin solar material

Scientists at Oxford University have developed an ultra-thin, flexible solar material capable of generating electricity from various surfaces, eliminating the need for traditional silicon panels. This material uses a multi-junction approach to stack light-absorbing layers, achieving over 27% energy efficiency, comparable to silicon photovoltaics. At just over one micron thick, the material is 150 times thinner than silicon wafers, offering versatility in application and potential for efficiency to exceed 45% in the future. This innovation could significantly lower the cost and environmental impact of solar energy.