Microscopic silicon solar cells that use 100 times less material

Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM have reportedly created microscopic silicon solar cells that use 100 times less material and operate at 14.9% efficiency which is similar to traditional solar cells.  The cells are 0.25-1 mm in diameter and can be manufactured to 20 microns in thickness which is 10 times thinner than conventional solar cells. This helps to lower material costs.  The process also allows the cells to be manufactured in hexagonal shapes.