A three-dimensional vertical solar panel system that can improve the efficiency of solar panels has been developed, and is expected to contribute to electric vehicles and distributed power generation systems.

The Korea Institute of Materials Science announced on the 18th that Dr. Lim Dong-chan's research team, together with Solar Optics Co., Ltd., a solar power generation module research company, recently succeeded in developing a 'new solar power generation system technology by fusing optical application new materials using optical fibers and organic-based solar cells.'

This research achievement is significant in that it significantly improves the efficiency of existing solar power generation facilities. Existing solar power plants utilize a flat panel structure that vertically absorbs sunlight to generate electricity. Consequently, their economic feasibility has consistently been questioned in terms of energy efficiency per unit area. The flat, two-dimensional structure of current solar panels has limitations in that it has an efficiency of about 24% per area due to issues with light receptivity and optimal angle, and it can only achieve maximum efficiency within an average of 3 hours and 30 minutes per day.

The joint research team redesigned the organic-based solar cell structure to maximize light scattering by processing nano-sized holes on the surface of optical fibers and to maximize the absorption of scattered light. This allowed them to arrange optical fibers and horizontal solar panels in a vertical three-dimensional structure, maintaining basic efficiency for long periods of time regardless of the angle at which the light is received. This not only improved the power generation efficiency of the solar panel, but also extended the maximum efficiency period of the solar panel to an average of more than six hours per day.


This research is notable for applying side-emitting optical fibers to bring existing solar energy into indoor environments (a fiber-optic-solar cell hybrid system). This approach allows for safe maintenance and management of panels from unstable external environments, while also improving stability. It also enables the adoption of high-efficiency panels, previously unavailable due to their sensitivity to external factors such as heat, dust, and humidity. It was evaluated that development and mass production of various high-efficiency products can be expected in the future.

Lim Dong-chan, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute of Materials Science, said, “Organic-based solar cells are continuously being developed with material technologies that have a power generation efficiency of over 20%,” adding, “There are concerns in the market that the stability of organic materials is vulnerable to external environments such as heat and moisture due to their organic material characteristics.”

He added, “If this technology is commercialized, it will be possible to drastically reduce the area by about one-fifth or more compared to existing solar panels, and it is expected to have groundbreaking applications in mobile solar power generators, electric vehicles, and distributed power generation systems.”

Meanwhile, the Korea Institute of Materials Science possesses organic-based solar cell technology in various forms, including flexible, lightweight, colorful, and transparent. Recently, the institute is also developing solar cells capable of generating power using not only natural light but also indoor lighting such as fluorescent lamps and LEDs.

In addition, Solar Optics Co., Ltd. is developing a charge/discharge battery module for optical fiber solar cells through its subsidiary, Eigertech Energy Co., Ltd.