Stanford University researchers announced they had achieved record efficiencies in a promising class of new materials for solar cells -- which can be thinner than a piece of paper. Slimming down is necessary if solar power wants to reach new devices; panels made of silicon are far too stiff, heavy, and bulky for new applications that require flexible materials. Stanford's new photovoltaic material is fifteen times thinner than paper. The idea is that these thin, flexible panels could be used in a variety of mobile applications, including self-powered gadgets and sensors, as well as giving a boost to lightweight airplanes and electric cars.

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