Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells - Amorton

Amorton is Panasonic's world's first integrated (series-connectable) amorphous silicon solar cell, developed using decomposed material gases to form a film on a series of substrates. Unlike crystal silicon, its irregular atomic arrangement allows for more frequent photon-silicon interactions, enabling efficient light absorption and the production of ultrathin films for power generation. Amorton offers flexibility in voltage design through series-connecting multiple cells on a single substrate, and can be manufactured in various shapes and on different substrates like glass, stainless steel, or plastic films. Its high sensitivity within the visible light spectrum makes it suitable for both power generation and light sensing applications.

Product Attributes

• Brand: Amorton (Panasonic)
• Material: Amorphous Silicon
• Origin: World's first integrated amorphous silicon solar cell

Technical Specifications

Applications

Amorton is 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 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 for appliances using dry cells and coin batteries
• IoT devices
• Power supply for human body sensors, temperature & humidity sensors
• Visible light sensors

Features

• Voltage Flexibility: Easily create cells with various voltages by series connecting multiple cells on a single substrate.
• Variety of Shapes and Forms: Can be manufactured in round, square, complex shapes, or even bent, using substrates like stainless steel or plastic films.
• High Sensitivity: Sensitive to visible light spectrum (approx. 400-700 nm), similar to the human eye, enabling use as visible light sensors.
• Integrated Structure: World's first integrated (series-connectable) amorphous silicon solar cell.

Principles of Power Generation

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

Light Source Categories

Amorton is available for use under a variety of light sources, including sunlight (standardized by AM ratings like AM-0, AM-1, AM-1.5) and artificial light (incandescent, fluorescent, LED, electric discharge lamps). Its spectral sensitivity closely matches the human eye's response to visible light.

Illumination Levels

Amorton performs well under various illumination levels, from indoor office lighting (300-600 lx) to bright sunny outdoor conditions (100,000 lx). Its outdoor illuminance specifications make it suitable for devices intended for outdoor use.

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.