# 3-D Solar Cells Wunderkind Revolutionizes Eco-Friendly Power By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2008-12-03 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3-d-solar-cells References: [freshcreation](http://www.freshcreation.com/entry/solar_whiz_kid/#When:05:10:01Z) & [katu](http://www.katu.com/news/28432984.html) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cob-brick), Applied Materials Inc., and the [Department of Civil Engineering](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/department-of-architecture-company) at the [University of California](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquidfilled-panel) 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 55% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **3-D Solar Cell Advancements:** William Yuan's breakthrough provides opportunities for more efficient and effective solar energy production. - **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. - **Youth-driven Innovation:** William Yuan's win of the Davidson Fellow award exemplifies the potential for young minds to provide revolutionary advancements in technology. ### Where This Applies - **Renewable Energy:** The 3-D solar cell breakthrough provides a significant innovation opportunity for the renewable energy industry. - **Semiconductor Fabrication:** Manufacturing William Yuan's 3-D solar cell utilizes semiconductor fabrication, an industry that continues to evolve with new technological advancements. - **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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D Solar Panel Modules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tipa.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sego-innovations.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levante-origami-solar-panel.md) - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [Origami Travel Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-origami-technology.md) - [Lunar Material-Based Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-dust.md) - [Colored Glass Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beautiful-solar-panels.md) - [Heritage Building-Blending Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-solar.md) - [Solar Panel Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tapestry.md)