US researchers from IBM have found a way to make flexible energy-saving solar cells using only a relatively tiny proportion of the materials needed to make standard panels.

The renewable energy source is made with silicon wires that use just one per cent of the material required to make conventional solar cells.

Researchers say the eventual aim is to make thin, light-weight solar cells that are so flexible they could be incorporated into products such as clothing.

However, the immediate advantage is to create cheaper and easier-to-install solar panels.

A spokesperson from the Renewable Energy Centre said that while the energy-saving technology is innovative it may still be financially inaccessible for some time.

"The flexible silicon wires would enable easier installation and offer lighter solutions however the output is the same as the current technology and as such could be cost prohibitive," they added.

The slim-line solar cells are only at a basic stage of development but the researchers believe that further improvements can be made to increase their current energy efficiency to 12 per cent.