What are printable solar cells?

We’re developing new printable solar cells that are flexible, light weight and are so thin that they can cover most surfaces. Organic photovoltaics (PV) and perovskite PV are more flexible and portable than conventional silicon-based solar cells.

Can solar cells be printed?

In this work, they set out to develop thin-film solar cells that are entirely printable, using ink-based materials and scalable fabrication techniques. To produce the solar cells, they use nanomaterials that are in the form of a printable electronic ink.

What is a solar cell printed on paper?

After several more layers are deposited, the finished product is a flexible, foldable, bendable solar cell printed on paper. The sheet of paper looks like any other document that might have just come spitting out of an office printer, with an array of colored rectangles printed over much of its surface.

Can you make a solar cell from a sheet of paper?

Almost as cheaply and easily as printing a photo on your inkjet, an inexpensive, simple solar cell has been created on that flimsy sheet, formed from special “inks” deposited on the paper. You can even fold it up to slip into a pocket, then unfold it and watch it generating electricity again in the sunlight.

Can printed solar cells be used to generate energy?

Unlike traditional silicon panels, which are rigid and heavy, solar cells could be deployed in previously impossible ways to generate energy from the sun. This includes being adhered to buildings, vehicles, clothing and wearables. However, scaling up production while maintaining efficiency has long been a hurdle for printed solar cell technology.

Can printed solar cells be used for mobile applications?

Because printed solar cells are flexible you can roll them up and this means that you can use them for mobile applications. So for example camping on remote locations, perhaps in window furnishings like roller blinds and because they’re semitransparent you can use them on windows.