Scientists from CalTech have developed technology that might lead efficient solar cells from silicon nanowires. This could lead to all sorts of configurations for solar cells including fabrics.
" … CalTech scientists say they have the underlying technology. Silicon nanowires, arranged in arrays, have been engineered that … grab power from visible light …"
" … a cell geometry that not only uses 1/100th the material of traditional wafer-based devices, but also may offer increased photovoltaic efficiency owing to an effective optical concentration of up to 20 times …”
" … CalTech’s cells have efficiency comparable to solar panels now being installed on roofs."
"If nanowires can be woven into a viable matrix, combined with other material, it means fabrics can double as solar connectors, once they have a way to off-load the power they create."
Via: SmartPlanet LINK