Sharp offers solar panels for portable systems

Compared with their predecessors, the solar panels of the models LR0GC11 and LR0GC13 achieve a third better efficiency and a conversion rate of 16.5 per cent.

On a surface of just under 27cm, the LR0GC11 achieves a maximum output performance of 390mW, while the LR0GC13 supplies a maximum of 180mW with half the surface area.

Sharp achieved this increase in conversion efficiency by redesigning the solar panels.

With the new monocrystalline cells, all stripe conductors are placed inside the module so that no active surface is shaded any longer.

Nothing changes with the double wiring of the cells.

It guarantees that, even in the case of a fracture of the cells, the full power output of the panel remains intact - important for mobile applications that can be exposed to high mechanical stress.

The solar panels have a completely homogeneous surface that is not interrupted by stripe conductors.

In addition, with the new photovoltaic elements, design engineers have much more leeway in the colour configuration of applications.

Alongside classic anthracite, Sharp solar panels can be designed, on request, in any conceivable colour if appropriate quantities are ordered.

Depending on the colour, this additional layer slightly decreases the output performance of the panel but, even with highly absorbent colours such as red, the conversion rate is still higher than that of previous models.

The new panels are also thinner and lighter than the previous models - both being 0.65mm thick.

The integration of the Sharp solar panels into mobile applications is said to be virtually limitless, even in applications where aesthetics are important.

In running and cycling sports computers, digital cameras, laptops, portable media players, pocket PCs, outdoor products and technical toys, small solar cells can substantially lengthen the operation time between recharging cycles.

In the sector of power-grid-independent sensors or remote controls - for example, for televisions - the energy requirements may possibly even be fully met by a single solar cell.

Such energy self-sufficient solutions can, in particular, be realised in combination with the Memory LCDs from Sharp, which only require one per cent of the power compared with conventional TFT displays of the same size.