Ever Heard of Bendable, Malleable Solar Panels?

Traditional solar panels are stiff, flat-shaped, heavy, and fragile. And this is for a reason. Solar panels are usually made of monocrystalline silicon sandwiched between two glass walls which is also enclosed by metal walls. This extensive packaging is because monocrystalline silicon is fragile and needs to be protected. This means, conversely, that the suitability and applicability of such panels is also limited.   

Crystals are ordered arrays of atoms. To counter these inherent negatives in traditional panels, Merlin Solar, a solar start-up, has come up with a new way of connecting the atoms within the panels, allowing for flexibility, malleability and ductility. By increasing the number of atom-to-atom connections between the silicon atoms, the yield strength of the material improves, allowing for it to bend without cracking.

This new type of panels are light-weight and can be installed in places traditional panels can’t, such as on irregular roofs and trailers.