Thanks to researchers from Sydney, printable solar panels could soon become commercially available. Scientists from Australia's national science agency (also known as CSIRO) in collaboration with Monash and Melbourne universities are developing a way to print power cells on plastic to be used in low-power applications. This work is being done as part of the Victorian Organic Solar Cell Consortium and means solar cells could be integrated into personal electronic devices soon. A team of 50 chemists, engineers and physicists have been working on printable solar panels since 2007.
Senior Research Scientist Dr. Fiona Scholes explained to ABC "iPad covers, laptop bags, skins of iPhone - not just for casing electronics but to collect some energy as well and power those electronics."
Sun-Powered Personal Electronics
Scientists are Developing Commercially Printable Solar Panels
Trend Themes
1. Printable Solar Panels - The development of printable solar panels using plastic presents an opportunity for flexible and customizable solar panels.
2. Integration of Solar Cells in Personal Electronic Devices - The integration of solar cells into personal electronic devices such as iPad covers, laptop bags, and iPhone skins creates an opportunity for self-sufficient and environmentally-friendly devices.
3. Low-power Application Solar Cells - Low-power application solar cells can provide energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions for small electronic devices in remote or off-grid areas.
Industry Implications
1. Electronics Manufacturing - Electronics manufacturing companies can explore integrating printable solar panels into their products to offer self-sufficient and sustainable electronic devices.
2. Renewable Energy - Renewable energy companies can leverage the development of printable solar panels to expand their offerings and reach new markets in low-power applications.
3. Consumer Goods - Consumer goods companies can explore incorporating solar cells into their product designs, offering customers a sustainable and unique experience.