Solar Panels?

Can you embed solar panels inside a Silicone Skin?

• Im working on my entrepreneurship project and we have to create a product from scratch, make a venture plan, and present it infront of my class. My idea was to create ipod cases with solar panels in them. i know what a hassle it is when your ipod dies and you cant charge it. But then i went looking around the internet and i found out that some companies have already come out with hard ipod cases with solar panels on them. But they only are available for the iTouch and the iPhone. They have not had any ideas for any other ipods when it comes to hard and soft chargable cases. what i was wondering is, If i was to make my own silicone ipod case, is it possable to embed small solar panels inside the casing itself without damaging the panels due to the heat?

• Answer:

  Before you worry about embedding the panel, don't you think you should experiment on how the silicon covering will effect the output of the panel? You will also need to evaluate the rigidity of the panel and its likelihood to cracking when pressure is applied to it when mounted on a resilient vs ridged surface. As for assembly panels are semiconductor material then can take someheat before damage. Depends upon the temp and duration of exposure. Look at the datasheet for the panel. Consider alternate fabrication technique where the panel is placed onto a thin spot on the back of the case and RTV adhesive used to attach it. A thin backer sheet can also be applied over the panel back.