Printable solar cells are one step closer to becoming a reality

Australian solar power scientists are one step closer to making available a cheaper and faster way to print solar cells onto plastic. CSIRO’s senior research scientist Dr Fiona Scholes said the technology was almost at the commercialisation stage and could be used to power laptops to rooftops. “iPad covers, laptop bags, skins of iPhone – not just for casing electronics but to collect some energy as well and power those electronics,” Dr Scholes said.

The future of power is just a step away. Australian scientists claim they are extremely close to having printable solar panels available for market. Scientists from Australia’s national science agency, known as CSIRO, along with two Australian universities, Melbourne and Monash, have been developing the power cells which are printed on plastic as part of the Victorian Organic Solar Cell Consortium since 2007. The team of 50 researchers consists of chemists, physicists and engineers, who hope to see printed solar panels being used in low-power applications within the next few years. The innovative technology, which is nearing the commercialisation stage, could power personal devices and change the way electronics are charged, according to Fiona Scholes, a senior research scientist at CSIRO.