Innovative photovoltaic "SCALE", which is cheaper and more reliable conventional solar panels

Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories have developed an innovative photovoltaic cells – tiny, flexible solar cells, the appearance of which is very similar to the snake scales. Their main feature is the integration possibilities in the surface of objects of virtually any shape and size. According to the developers, such batteries will able to change our approach to solar energy generation.
The technology, called “Dragon SCALE”, it became part of the license agreement between the company mPower Technology and Sandia laboratories. According to the agreement in the near future will be put in commercial release of tiny solar cells that can be applied to various materials, like as the printing ink.
The new solar cells can be integrated into a variety of appliances, such as sensors, wearable electronics, drones and satellites. The batteries can also be used in larger-scale projects, for example, on building solar power systems. Also easily foldable, “Dragon Scales” can be used as a portable power generator. 

American scientists claim that the use of new technology will be cheaper and more reliable than conventional solar cells, due to the high voltage and low currents. Traditional panels operate with a low voltage and higher currents that requires the use of metals such as silver and copper, which makes the system more expensive.Over the past few years,the price of solar energy have fallen dramatically, making it a full-fledged competitor in comparison with the cost of energy based on hydrocarbons. At the same time, “the Scale” solar cells could further assist the development of solar energy, allowing its use in many other previously inaccessible sectors.