"Sandia National Laboratories scientists have developed tiny glitter-sized photovoltaic cells that are expected to be less expensive and have greater efficiencies than current photovoltaic collectors pieced together with 6-inch-square solar wafers." As reported at the Green Design Briefs http://www.greendesignbriefs.com/comp...>

Fabricated of crystalline silicon and using microelectronic and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques, the solar particles hold the potential for a variety of new applications.

“Eventually units could be mass-produced and wrapped around unusual shapes for building-integrated solar, tents, and maybe even clothing,” said Sandia lead investigator Greg Nielson. "This would make it possible for hunters, hikers, or military personnel in the field to recharge batteries for phones, cameras, and other electronic devices as they walk or rest.

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