Amorton Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells

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, leading to more frequent photon-silicon interactions and higher light absorption. This allows for the creation of ultrathin films (less than 1 m) for power generation. Amorton cells offer flexibility in voltage design through series connection on a single substrate and can be manufactured in various shapes and forms on substrates like glass, stainless steel, or plastic films. They are highly sensitive to the visible light spectrum, making them suitable for both power generation and light sensing applications.

Product Attributes

• Brand: Amorton (Panasonic)
• Material: Amorphous Silicon
• Origin: Developed in Japan (implied by AM-1.5 standard reference)

Technical Specifications

Applications

• Wristwatches / Clocks / Wall clocks
• Calculators
• Energy-harvesting equipment
• Wireless sensor networks / RFID tags / RF remote controls
• Power sources for multiple cards attached to displays
• Power sources of wearable terminals
• Toys
• e-books
• Garden lights, sensor lights, LED blinkers
• Car accessories and battery chargers
• Security devices
• Power sources for other electric equipment and digital displays
• Reduction of battery replacements and extension of battery life
• IoT devices
• Human body sensors, temperature & humidity sensors
• Visible light sensors

Product History

• 1975: Research begins on amorphous silicon solar cells
• 1978: Integrated (series connection structure) amorphous silicon solar cells are developed
• 1980: "Amorton", world's first amorphous silicon solar cells for commercial use, became a product
• 2010: Production of one billion Amorton units

Principles of Power Generation

Power is generated due to the photovoltaic effect. When a semiconductor is exposed to light, electrons and holes are generated. At a p/n junction, an internal electric field separates these charges. When an external load is connected, electricity flows through it.

Light Source Categories

• Sunlight (AM-0, AM-1, AM-1.5)
• Artificial Light (Incandescent, Fluorescent, Electric discharge lamps, LEDs)

Illumination Levels (References)

• Sunny, Noon: 100,000 lx
• Sunny, 10:00 a.m.: 65,000 lx
• Sunny, 3:00 p.m.: 35,000 lx
• Cloudy, Noon: 32,000 lx
• Offices and conference rooms: 300 - 600 lx
• Restaurants, coffee shops, dressing/changing rooms: 75 - 150 lx
• Indoor emergency staircases: less than 75 lx
• Design stands (partially illuminated): ~1,000 lx