Comsat solar cell display

Comsat solar cell display

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Description (Brief)
This display shows the results of a decade of experimentation with new materials and techniques that improved solar cell efficiency. Each group of cells on this demonstration panel produces an equal amount of electricity. There are fifteen “conventional cells” mounted next to twelve “violet cells” mounted next to ten “non-reflective cells.” A violet cell converts light to electricity close to its surface, so it absorbs more light than a conventional cell. A non-reflective cell absorbs even more light because less bounces off its surface.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
Solar Cell Display
photovoltaic display
maker
COMSAT Laboratories
Measurements
overall: 13 in x 18 in x 6 in; 33.02 cm x 45.72 cm x 15.24 cm
each cell panel: 4 in x 2 3/8 in x 1/8 in; 10.16 cm x 6.0325 cm x.3175 cm
ID Number
1981.0655.04
accession number
1981.0655
catalog number
1981.0655.04
Credit Line
from Comsat Laboratories, thru Allan Galfund
See more items in
Work and Industry: Electricity
Energy & Power
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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