Sun-Tracking Solar Cells Inspired by Kirigami

Sep-10-15 Taking inspiration from the ancient art of paper cutting, researchers have created solar panels that will follow the sun without the need for heavy, motorized trackers.

The panels were developed at the University of Michigan in collaboration with Kirigami paper artist Matthew Shilan, who lectures at the school. Based on Shilan’s advice, the team attached solar panels to a piece of Kapton plastic and then cut rows of dashes into the material, which allowed the plastic to be stretched. As the material is stretched, the strips (and solar cells) will tilt with a predictable accuracy, allowing the cells to face the sun while the panel remains flat.

More Info about this Invention:

[GIZMAG.COM]
[NS.UMICH.EDU]

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