12-Year-Old Transforms the 3-D Solar Cell

Amazingly, a 12-year-old from Portland, OR has facilitated the latest in solar industry headlines. William Yuan, a seventh grader, has researched and revolutionized the three-dimensional solar cell. First invented by scientists at the Georgia Tech Research Institute, this new generation of solar cells can absorb both UV and visible light, possibly improving cell efficiency dramatically.

Yuan, as part of the craziest homework assignment I’ve ever heard of, researched and developed his own version of the 3-D solar cell. Typical solar cells are flat and can only absorb visible light. The 3-D solar cell, however, greatly improves absorption by collecting UV rays as well. There is no doubt that young Yuan has found himself a spot on the cutting edge of solar technology and research. He earned himself a $25,000 scholarship and a trip to the Library of Congress for his efforts. (more…)

12-Year-Old Transforms the 3-D Solar Cell