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 crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon features irregular atomic arrangements, leading to more frequent photon-silicon interactions and higher light absorption. This allows for the production of ultrathin, flexible, and custom-shaped solar cells suitable for a wide range of applications, including indoor and outdoor lighting, consumer electronics, IoT devices, and more. Amorton offers a high sensitivity within the visible light spectrum, making it effective as a visible light sensor.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Principle of Power Generation | Photovoltaic effect of semiconductors; generation of electrons and holes when exposed to light, collected by internal electric field at a p/n junction. Electricity flows when an external load is connected. |
| Material Structure | Amorphous silicon features irregular atomic arrangements, allowing more light absorption compared to crystal silicon. Can be produced as ultrathin films (< 1 m). |
| Cell Connection | Integrated (series-connectable) structure allowing for custom voltage designs. Contrasts with crystalline silicon which requires severing and connecting multiple cells. |
| Substrate Variety | Can utilize glass, stainless steel, or plastic films as substrates, enabling various shapes (round, square, bent) and designs. |
| Light Sensitivity | High sensitivity within the visible light spectrum (approx. 400-700 nm), similar to the human eye, enabling use as visible light sensors. |
| Light Source Compatibility | Suitable for various light sources including sunlight (AM-0, AM-1, AM-1.5) and artificial light (incandescent, fluorescent, LED, etc.). |
| Illumination Levels | Effective in a wide range of illumination levels, from indoor office environments (300-600 lx) to bright outdoor sunlight (100,000 lx). |
| Electrical Properties (Example: Glass Type, Outdoor Use) | Open-circuit voltage: 0.89V/cell; Short-circuit current: 14.8mA/c; Maximum power: 7.89mW/c (under AM-1.5, 100mW/c, 25). |
| Electrical Properties (Example: Film Type, Outdoor Use) | Open-circuit voltage: 0.82V/cell; Short-circuit current: 12.0mA/c; Maximum power: 5.6mW/c (under AM-1.5, 100mW/c, 25). |
| Relationship between Area/Rows and Electrical Properties | Current is proportional to cell area. Voltage is proportional to the number of series-connected cells. Electrical properties can be adjusted by changing the number of cells and cell area. |