Solar cells 20x thinner than hair power long-duration drone flights – Interesting Engineering

Autonomous energy is essential to maintain power systems operating independently for extended periods of time, both on Earth and in space. The need is amplified for missions operating, especially in distant or unpredictable situations.

Thanks to a new technology developed by researchers at Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU), such endeavors could soon become possible.

Their solution offers an ultra-lightweight, flexible solar cell that will enable long-term, self-sufficient energy generation. With a relatively high degree of stability and an enhanced power output of up to 44 watts per gram, the thin quasi-2D perovskite solar cells offer advanced performance.