Twelve-year-old wunderkind William Yuan from Beaverton, Oregon, has created a new type of 3-D solar cell that works for both visible and UV light. If his research proves correct, his design will absorb nine times more light than the most cutting-edge solar cells in production and over 500 times more light than commercially-available solar cells.
William Yuan started off his research by studying graduate-level 3-D solar cell work completed at Georgia Tech and Notre Dame; his mentors at Portland State University’s Center for Nanofabrication and Electron Microscopy, Applied Materials Inc., and the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of California at Berkeley helped Yuan focus his work.
According to KATU News, previous 3-D cells used either visible or UV light, but not both in one cell. William Yuan’s 3-D cell combines both, with highly-efficient and powerful results. "[This solar cell] would make solar energy actually a viable energy source for the Pacific Northwest," says Yuan.
William Yuan’s research has yielded him a $25,000 scholarship and the Davidson Fellow award from the Davidson Institute for Talent Development. He’s now looking for a manufacturer to create his 3-D solar cell.
3-D Solar Cells
Wunderkind Revolutionizes Eco-Friendly Power
Trend Themes
1. 3-D Solar Cell Advancements - William Yuan's breakthrough provides opportunities for more efficient and effective solar energy production.
2. Combination of Visible and UV Light Applications - Yuan's innovative idea to combine both visible and UV light in one 3-D cell presents an opportunity for more comprehensive solar cell technology.
3. Youth-driven Innovation - William Yuan's win of the Davidson Fellow award exemplifies the potential for young minds to provide revolutionary advancements in technology.
Industry Implications
1. Renewable Energy - The 3-D solar cell breakthrough provides a significant innovation opportunity for the renewable energy industry.
2. Semiconductor Fabrication - Manufacturing William Yuan's 3-D solar cell utilizes semiconductor fabrication, an industry that continues to evolve with new technological advancements.
3. Education and Talent Development - William Yuan's story highlights the importance of education and talent development programs that inspire and encourage youth innovation and creativity.