Sharp predicts that miniature solar cells will be used to
significantly extend the operating life of mobile phones and other
portable systems between battery charging cycles.
"For sensors or remote controls that are independent of the mains
power supply it may even be possible to provide as much as 100% of
the power requirement from a solar cell," said the solar panel
supplier.
Sharp plans to expand its family of LROGC02 type solar components
for mobile applications to five models to address this
market.
These have an efficiency of 13% and the low mounting depth of
0.8mm.
The company has a longer term plan to redesign the solar panel
components, relocating the wiring to the underside of the panel
will give next-generation models an even, continuous surface.
"This will increase efficiency to as much as 20% as the cells
will no longer be shaded by the wires. But the device's design will
also benefit if the exterior is no longer criss-crossed by visible
conductors," said Sharp.
To handle the mechanical stresses likely to be experienced in
mobile handsets, the solar cells are double wired to ensure panel
performance is fully maintained even in the event of a cell
breakage.
By varying the number and configuration of the individual
polycrystalline solar cells the panels provide different power
outputs and voltages. The range extends from single cell types with
a 30mW power output at a voltage of 0.5V to models with 10 cells
and a power output of 300mW at 5V.
The first step towards expanding the portfolio will be the
launch of the LROGC03 type panel in the first quarter of 2010.
With a surface of 41x33mm, this member of the product family is
approximately half the size of the first LROGC02 type panel and
reaches a maximum power output of 130mW with a voltage of 5V with
its 10 cells.
Samples of the LR0GC03 type solar panels will be available from
European Sharp Microelectronics distributors and its distribution
partners from Q1/2010 onwards.