Eco Factor: Flexible solar cells aim to reduce prices by as much as 25%.

After announcing the company’s plan to become the largest solar manufacturer in Japan by 2012 and eventually one of the top players in the global industry, Sanyo is being reported to have developed a solar cell that is thinner than a human hair.

Measuring just 58 micrometers in thickness, the solar cell is designed to optimize conversion efficiency of 22%. Made using two types of silicon, the cells will be as flexible as paper and will cost 25% less than the solar cells available on the market today. The cells are still more than a decade away from commercialization, but being low cost and flexible, they could revolutionize the solar industry.

Via: CrunchGear497021