A Tree-shaped Solar Power Generator Using SoftCells
Solar cell startup SoftPV announced on Dec. 30 that it would unveil Soltria next month. Soltria is a CES 2022 Innovation Award winner and a tree-shaped solar power generator using SoftCells, which are bead-shaped solar cells. Each of the generator and the cell is the first of its kind in the world.
The surface of the cell, which is 1.1 mm in diameter, is covered with a solar absorber. Sunlight can be received in every direction and more power can be generated more quickly than in the case of flat solar panels, which require vertical sunlight.
Each Soltria is equipped with 60 leaves and the leaves are equipped with hundreds of thousands of SoftCells. The cells produce 60 W of electric power per hour and the power is stored in the energy storage system at the root part of the tree.
“Each SoftCell has a power generation capacity of 0.35 mW and Soltria can be installed in various places, including houses, factories and public places,” SoftPV said.