Photoxels

MIT Scientists Print Solar Cell On Paper, Cloth, Pretty Much Anywhere


From MITNewsOffice

A team of researchers at MIT has invented a radical new way of creating solar panels: print an array of photovoltaic cells on paper in a vacuum chamber. Five layers of material are deposited onto the sheet of paper in successive passes, using a paper mask to form the patterns of cells on the surface.

It’s basically the same process used to make the silvery lining in your bag of potato chips and the resulting solar panel is quite resilient. Instead of paper, you can also use flexible plastic. Imagine printing solar cells onto window shades, wallpaper or even glass that incorporate designs (I’m sure they can add colored inks that do not affect the efficiency of the panels).

Can we be far behind when we get to printing image sensors?

Graduate student Miles Barr hold a flexible and foldable array of solar cells that have been printed on a sheet of paper.Photo: Patrick Gillooly
Graduate student Miles Barr hold a flexible and foldable array of solar cells that have been printed on a sheet of paper.Photo: Patrick Gillooly

Read the article at: physorg.

 

Support Photoxels

There are various ways to support Photoxels. Whenever you click on an ad or make any purchase from an Amazon, B&H, Adorama or other link, it does not cost you a cent more, but I earn a small commission or referral fee.

  • As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Visits and/or purchases you make through a qualified link (e.g. B&H, Adorama, Google ads, or any other ads on this site) may eventually earn us a commission fee from the advertisers.
  • Thank you for your support!

Advertisements: Google

Camera Buyer’s Guide

Advertisements: B&H

Advertisements: Adorama

Advertisements: Amazon

Advertisements: Skylum

Categories

Archives

Sponsored Links: Accessories