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MIT researchers print solar cell on paper
Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have successfully coated paper with a solar cell, part of a suite of research projects aimed at energy breakthroughs.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have successfully coated paper with a solar cell, part of a suite of research projects aimed at energy breakthroughs.
The printed solar cells, which were shown at a press conference Tuesday by MIT and Italian oil company Eni, are still in the research phase and are years from being commercialized. However, the technique, in which paper is coated with organic semiconductor material using a process similar to an inkjet printer, is a promising way to lower the weight of solar panels. "If you could use a staple gun to install a solar panel, there could be a lot of value," said Vladimir Bulovic, director of the Eni-MIT Solar Frontiers Research Center.
For more on this story, read MIT researchers print solar cell on paper on CNET News.
This is the first paper solar cell, according to MIT and Eni. Credit: Martin Lamonica CNET News
The printed solar cells, which were shown at a press conference Tuesday by MIT and Italian oil company Eni, are still in the research phase and are years from being commercialized. However, the technique, in which paper is coated with organic semiconductor material using a process similar to an inkjet printer, is a promising way to lower the weight of solar panels. "If you could use a staple gun to install a solar panel, there could be a lot of value," said Vladimir Bulovic, director of the Eni-MIT Solar Frontiers Research Center.
For more on this story, read MIT researchers print solar cell on paper on CNET News.
This is the first paper solar cell, according to MIT and Eni. Credit: Martin Lamonica CNET News