MIT Envisions DIY Solar Cells Made From Grass Clippings

Posted by samzenpus on Monday February 6, 2012 @04:33AM from the growing-power dept.

Zothecula writes "Research scientist Andreas Mershin has a dream to bring inexpensive solar power to the masses, especially those in developing countries. After years of research, he and his team at MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms, along with University of Tennessee biochemist Barry Bruce, have worked out a process that extracts functional photosynthetic molecules from common yard and agricultural waste. If all goes well, in a few years it should be possible to gather up a pile of grass clippings, mix it with a blend of cheap chemicals, paint it on your roof and begin producing electricity. Talk about redefining green power plants!"

3 of 126 comments (clear)

Min score:

Reason:

Sort:

So, in a few years? by jcreus · 2012-02-06 04:35 · Score: 5, Funny

Let's see what XKCD says about it...
Re:Or you could electrocute yourself in the proces by ciderbrew · 2012-02-06 05:20 · Score: 4, Funny

So do expensive ones. Demand the best!
Re:Adds new import to the phrase "keep off the gra by NemoinSpace · 2012-02-06 07:15 · Score: 3, Funny

Oh, did I neglect to mention photobiology/optoelectronic R&D is my job?
Yes, you did. Then you realize this process the article describes is about as sensible as manufacturing vitamin D by extracting it from Humans standing in sunlight (regular or otherwise).
I'll take your figures for the efficiency since your the expert, but - The article quotes "electrical power density of 81uW/cm2". If they doubled the efficiency it still wouldn't be worth it.
Did I neglect to mention I can do math?