Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

MIT Unveils First Solar Cells Printed On Paper

Posted by timothy on from the let's-give-them-some-post-unveiing-privacy dept.

lucidkoan writes "MIT researchers recently unveiled the world's first thin-film solar cell printed on a sheet of paper. The panel was created using a process similar to that of an inkjet printer, producing semiconductor-coated paper imbued with carbon-based dyes that give the cells an efficiency of 1.5 to 2 percent. That's not incredibly efficient, but the convenience factor makes up for it. And in the future, researchers hope that the same process used in the paper solar cells could be used to print cells on metal foil or even plastic. If they're able to gear efficiencies up to scale, the development could revolutionize the production and installation of solar panels."

11 of 125 comments (clear)

  1. Too bad by sophomoric · · Score: 4, Funny

    Too bad most of the paper I use is down where the sun don't shine.

    1. Re:Too bad by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Too bad most of the paper I use is down where the sun don't shine.

      You still use paper? How primitive.

      I use three sea shells.

  2. Re:Good by Hal_Porter · · Score: 1, Funny

    Then they must be embargoed until they accept that "DNA is God and Dawkins is her prophet".

    --
    echo -e 'global _start\n _start:\n mov eax, 2\n int 80h\n jmp _start' > a.asm; nasm a.asm -f elf; ld a.o -o a;
  3. Please God Nooo..... by s0litaire · · Score: 4, Funny

    ..Don't let "Hallmark" get access to this or we'll be stuck with those annoying greetings cards that play stupid messages forever & they will never stop!!!

    --
    Laters Sol "Have you found the secrets of the universe? Asked Zebade "I'm sure I left them here somewhere"
  4. How can this compete on price? by kimvette · · Score: 2, Funny

    How can this compete on price? Haven't they priced out inkjet cartridges lately? WTF!! ;)

    --
    The Christian Right is Neither (Christian nor right). See: Matthew 23, Matthew 25, Ezekiel 16:48-50
  5. But 3% isn't exponential growth by Colin+Smith · · Score: 2, Funny

    no it isn't

    yes it is

    no it isn't.

    No no No No NO NO NO! (to Bohemian Rhapsody in the background)

    I like irony.

     

    --
    Deleted
  6. Re:Good by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    I think you mean TNA.

  7. Another new technology that... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    ... will be available in 5 years!

  8. Re:Good by rthille · · Score: 2, Funny

    Plastics can be made with plant based oils can they not?
    Plants are 'from the sun'.

    What's your phone #?

    --
    Awesome furniture, accessories and cabinetry in Santa Rosa, CA: http://humanity-home.com/
  9. Re:MOD PARENT UP by JWSmythe · · Score: 2, Funny

        Ya, it was to get your attention. The link is a redirect to a malware site.

    --
    Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
  10. Re:Lots of "ifs" by nospam007 · · Score: 2, Funny

    "Proof of concept of printing solar cells on paper is a pretty substantial deal,..."

    I wonder if the ink is cheaper than the HP one.