A new way of manufacturing solar cells with light-reflecting nanoparticles and semiconducting wires promises to revolutionize the application of solar power in many settings. The new cells are 1/100th the thickness of traditional rigid silicon cells and are flexible enough to be embedded in clothing and other materials. These so called “soft cells” are almost as efficient as existing solar technology but because of their thinness and transparency, they are expected to be used in many more types of materials including roof tiles, windows, and clothing. From New Scientist, April 10th, 2010.
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