Paper-thin solar panels could revolutionize energy for spacecraft and data centres

A team of scientists at Soochow University has created a solar panel as thin as a sheet of paper. The breakthrough could change how energy is collected for spacecraft and large-scale facilities like data centres. Professor Zhang Xiaoyong, who led the research, explained the panel's layered design in detail. The new solar panel uses multiple light-absorbing layers, including crystalline silicon and perovskite. This combination allows it to capture a wider range of sunlight and convert it into electricity more efficiently than traditional single-layer cells. Its ultra-thin and flexible design means the panels can be fitted onto many different surfaces. This opens up fresh opportunities for embedding photovoltaic technology in places where rigid panels would not work. The researchers believe the invention could offer a stable, long-term power solution. Potential applications include spacecraft, where weight and durability matter, as well as energy-hungry facilities such as data centres. The development marks a step forward in solar technology. Its lightweight and adaptable nature could expand where and how solar energy is used. The team's findings suggest broader possibilities for renewable energy in demanding environments.