Eco Factor: Low-cost solar cells being developed at MIT.
Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a new technology that allows solar cells to be coated on paper. The printed solar cells are still in the research phase and might be years away from being commercialized. The technique involves the coating of organic semiconductor material on paper using a process similar to an inkjet printer.
The solar cells that are developed using carbon-based dyes are about 1.5 percent to 2 percent efficient in converting light into electricity, but the cost of manufacturing the cells is less. MIT is focusing much of its effort on quantum dots, which can prove beneficial in energy conversion.
Via: CNet
