MIT researchers print solar cell on paper

[wpsedgwick]

Source: Examiner

Scientists at the Eni-MIT Solar Frontiers Research Center have successfully printed thin-film solar on paper.

By coating white sheets of paper with organic semiconductors, the researchers are, in effect, able to turn an everyday object into a current-producing device.

The process is said to be similar to an inkjet printer.

Read more: http://www.examiner.com/x-42287-Chicago-Green-Technology-Examiner~y2010m5d8-MIT-researchers-print-solar-cell-on-paper

[cliffordu]

1. SOLAR NOW, GODDAMMIT.

[yorgatron]

2. K&R

:kick:

[WheelWalker]

3. To "The Greatest" with thee ! K&R

[BlancheSplanchnik]

11. Hey!

Hi Wheel Walker

:hi:

[WheelWalker]

14. Yo!

Good to see you. How's that side of the country tonight? I'm about to call it a day and head back to Monk's Lair for repast. Been rock'n out to Neil Young & friends all day at the office. Say, if you like to surf, surf on over to this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8PAuvxCZuM&feature=player_embedded

I don't know how you feel about Lady Gaga, but these guys have done something EPIC. I'm a couple of generations removed from them, but that is my alma mater. It's good to see kids having fun. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Blessings, friend.

[JDPriestly]

4. Sounds exciting!

Now if our economy just keeps going long enough for us to implement this widely.

[Electric Monk]

12. +1

[ProgressiveProfessor]

5. Check the energy density

Its not where near what regular solar cells produce.

[jeff47]

7. That would be because they're only at "Step 1".

Step 1: Develop a way to print solar cells on paper.
Step 2: Increase the efficiency of what you make in Step 1.

Jeez. This is R&D folks. It's never an instant quantum leap in technology.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

9. That is my exact popint

I have been doing alternative energy well before it was trendy. Its an evolving area and hype out does fact in it by several orders of magnitude. When some techie experiment or cutesy demo makes the media, everyone seems to think it will be here tomorrow. Thin film and solar shingles come to mind. That neither are really ready for mass consumption seems to mystify many.

Sorry if I came across differently

[truthisfreedom]

15. nanosolar.com is printing solar cells on copper sheets RIGHT NOW. Manufacturing in 2 countries...

Here in Silicon Valley and also in Germany. The German plant has a capacity to produce 640MW per year. That's more than a typical gas/coal power plant EVERY YEAR.

[midnight]

6. I think we do want alternative energy to be incorporated into our lives, but

having energy talks in secret means staying with the status quo. "We are not very active (in alternative energy) today because we don't believe today's technologies are the answer of our problems," he said.

[Unca Jim]

8. Sure, the energy density sucks...

but you can essentially paint it onto existing surfaces. If you painted solar cells on all the median strips in a metro area, you'd have more than enough power to run the street lights, traffic signals, and railroad gates.

If you covered you house with it you could cut a bunch of your needs for external power. Eventually the efficiency will improve, too.

[WhiteTara]

10. kick

:kick:

[Vinca]

13. It would be great if, someday, you could look at a historic building

and not realize the clapboard siding was embedded with solar cells that powered the whole house.

[DiverDave]

16. I want solar power!

For my house.
I am sick and tired of paying for electricity.
I got cut off two years ago...when they promised me they wouldnt if I signed up for a payment plan.

Almost had to sell my car...soul less bastards.

"I'm Sorry" they said, and I told her she wasnt sorry...

2 kids and the power gets cut off...Well, they ARE getting blood from a rock.

[myrna minx]

17. K&R n/t