Sharp launches ultra-thin LR0GC02 solar panel

With a total of 10 cells, the LR0GC02 solar panel produces an output voltage of 5V at a maximum of 60mA.

The cells, made of polycrystalline silicon, achieve an efficiency of 12.8 per cent.

The LR0GC02 panel's output rating of a maximum of 300mW is already sufficient to operate a memory-in-pixel LCD, also recently presented by Sharp, plus relevant driver components as a standalone unit without additional power supply.

This type of LCD requires less than a hundredth of the power of conventional liquid crystal displays of comparable size.

In combination, memory-in-pixel LCDs and the solar panel offer the ideal basis for network-independent devices such as so-called 'smart meters' - thermometers and sensors for home automation systems - and for GPS-assisted bicycle computers, pulse meters, and so on.

The LR0GC02 PV panel can be easily integrated into the housings of mobile devices, thanks to its compact dimensions of 41 x 67.5mm and thickness of 0.8mm.

To avoid electromagnetic interference, the panel has special interfaces for system integration - this is particularly important for devices with wireless data transmission.

The cell only supports the measures necessary for the overall device; the solar panel itself does not give off any radiation.

With conventional solar cells, the high mechanical loads in mobile applications often result in cell fractures and therefore substantial drops in output.

With the Sharp panel, a double wiring of the cells ensures full efficiency, even in the event of a cell fracture.

The solar panel from Sharp is therefore not only suited to supporting the power supply of mobile telephones.

The operation time of laptops, industry handhelds and portable test and measurement equipment can also be extended with the aid of Sharp photovoltaic components.

Applications such as LED street lamps can even be run as self-sufficient units via solar power.