Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells (Amorton)

Amorton is the world's first integrated (series-connectable) amorphous silicon solar cell, developed by Panasonic. Unlike crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon features irregular atomic arrangements, allowing for more frequent photon-silicon atom interactions and higher light absorption. This enables the production of ultrathin films (less than 1 m) for power generation. Amorton cells are manufactured by forming a film of amorphous silicon on a substrate, followed by a metal electrode and a protective film. The integrated design allows for multiple solar cells to be connected in series on a single substrate, enabling custom voltage configurations for various applications. Amorphous silicon solar cells generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect, where light exposure creates electron-hole pairs that are then separated by an internal electric field at a p/n junction, allowing current to flow when an external load is connected.

Product Attributes

• Brand: Amorton (Panasonic)
• Material: Amorphous Silicon
• Origin: Developed by Panasonic

Product Features and Advantages

• High Light Absorption: Irregular atomic structure leads to more efficient light absorption.
• Ultrathin Film: Can be produced with films less than 1 m thick.
• Integrated Design: Series-connectable on a single substrate for custom voltage outputs.
• Variety of Shapes and Forms: Can be manufactured on various substrates like glass, stainless steel, and plastic films, allowing for diverse shapes (round, square, bent).
• High Sensitivity in Visible Light Spectrum: Sensitive to wavelengths similar to the human eye, enabling use as visible light sensors.
• Ease of Voltage Customization: Multiple cells can be connected in series during fabrication, unlike crystalline silicon cells which require severing and connecting.
• Reduced Battery Replacements: Suitable for extending battery life in devices using dry cells and coin batteries.

Applications

Amorton solar cells are suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

• Wristwatches, clocks, wall clocks
• Calculators
• Energy-harvesting equipment
• Wireless sensor networks, RFID tags, RF remote controls
• Power sources for display cards and wearable terminals
• Toys, e-books
• Outdoor lighting (garden lights, sensor lights, curbstone markers)
• Car accessories and battery chargers
• Security devices
• Power sources for other electric equipment and digital displays
• IoT devices
• Human body sensors and temperature/humidity sensors

Technical Specifications