Sharp diversifies solar components
1 min read
In a bid to address the broad range of mobile applications Sharp Microelectronics Europe has announced that it is to expand its range of solar components to five models.
According to Sharp, the devices have an efficiency of 13% and a low mounting depth of 0.8mm. The solar panel's cells are double wired and by varying the number and configuration of the individual polycrystalline solar cells, the panels offer 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 in the range to be launched will be the LROGC03 type panel early next year. It has a surface of 41 x 33mm and is approximately half the size of the first LROGC02 type panel. It reaches a maximum power output of 130mW with a voltage of 5V with its 10 cells. Sharp says that it has been designed to suit smart meters and handheld consumer devices.
Sharp has also revealed that it is redesigning solar panel components by relocating the wiring to the underside of the panel. This will give next generation models an even, continuous surface and, according to Sharp, increase efficiency to as much as 20% as the cells will no longer be shaded by the wires.
