Ideas
Explore the world's #1 largest database of ideas and innovations, with 474,290 inspiring examples.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,274 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 308,923 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Consumer Insights
Uncover major shifts and emerging opportunities with our exclusive PRO research.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,274 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 308,923 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Trend Reports
Get fast, customized trend reports, presentations and deep dives 20x faster than traditional research.
Plans
Get started today with a free consultation, our self-serve tools, or a dedicated program.
Articles & Magazine
Get inspired with our 4,220 innovation strategy articles, keynote, videos and innovation tools.
Innovation Awards
Trend Hunter’s Innovation Strategy Awards recognize the best innovation tactics gathered from our interviews with some of the world's most notable business leaders, authors and change makers.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Innovation Assessment
Enhance your innovation potential with a deeper understanding of your unique innovation archetype and how your organization benchmarks.
FuturistU
Prepare for the years ahead with 100+ lessons, tactics, tools and frameworks with our full learning database.
Innovation Books
Join 20,000,000 people getting better and faster with our New York Times Bestselling books and keynote videos.
Jeremy Gutsche
Ignite your event or virtual event with our CEO, a NY Times Bestselling Author and one of the top innovation keynote speakers.
Our Team of Speakers & Virtual Presenters
Inspire your group with our most popular speakers on innovation, trends, change and futurism.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Custom Masterclasses
Join the world's leading brands who leverage our custom programs to accelerate innovation.
FuturistU 5-Day Program
Become a Futurist with our immersive 5-Day program at Future Festival World Summit.
Online eLearning
Learn the fundamentals of futurism and trends with 100+ online courses about innovation.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Contact
Get in touch to learn more, ask a question or submit a tip.
About Us
Learn more about Trend Hunter and how we accelerate innovation.
Follow-Us
Join our 3,500,000 social media followers, on the cutting edge.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
FAQ
Get answers to common questions about Trend Hunter.
Community
Stay on the cutting-edge with the help of the Trend Hunter community.
Team
Meet the team trusted by hundreds of leading businesses worldwide.
Jobs
Find opportunities to accelerate your career with the #1 Trend Firm.
News
Catch up on noteworthy Trend Hunter news and media mentions.
Join
Build a portfolio and put your trend-spotting abilities to the test.
Advertising
Supercharge your marketing by partnering with Trend Hunter.
Portfolio
Visit your public portfolio and browse your past articles.
Add a Trend
Write up an article and showcase your trend-spotting skills.
My Trends
Edit your articles and see how they stack up on the leaderboards.
Settings
Edit your profile, connect your social media accounts, and more.
Add a trend, customize your dashboard, or track topics.
Future Festival
Innovation Events
Join the world's top innovators at our in person events.
Free Webinars
Learn to innovate through chaos, navigate the new normal and maintain work culture from home.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Search our database of 474,290 cutting edge ideas.

Insect-Inspired Solar Cells

Stanford Scientists Designed a Solar Panel Cell Modeled After Bug Eyes

— September 19, 2017 — Eco
Stanford University scientists were inspired by insect eyes in their development of a new design for a solar panel cell. The cells have a delicate photovoltaic material referred to as perovskite that is not damaged when it is exposed to heat, mechanical stress or moisture.

Researchers tested the material to see if it could withstand high temperatures on rooftops by exposing the perovskite cells to 185 degrees Fahrenheit and 85% relative humidity over a 6 week period. The solar panel cell was still capable of generating electricity at a highly efficient rate. Modeled after bug eyes, the compound solar cell is comprised of "a vast honeycomb of perovskite microcells, each encapsulated in a hexagon-shaped scaffold just 0.02 inches wide" according to SpringWise.
Trend Themes
1. Insect-inspired Solar Cells - Developing solar panel cells inspired by insect eyes presents opportunities for highly efficient and resilient photovoltaic materials.
2. Perovskite Material - Exploring the use of perovskite material in solar panels unlocks potential for more durable and versatile energy generation.
3. Microcell Technology - Harnessing microcell technology in solar panel design offers innovative solutions for increasing the efficiency and scalability of renewable energy systems.
Industry Implications
1. Renewable Energy - The renewable energy industry can leverage insect-inspired solar panel cells to improve the efficiency and durability of photovoltaic systems.
2. Solar Power - The solar power industry can benefit from incorporating perovskite material to enhance the resilience and performance of solar panel technology.
3. Materials Science - The materials science industry can explore the application of microcell technology to develop new materials and structures for various advanced technologies, including solar cells.
3.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness