Innovative ‘Solar Film’ Could Lead to Solar Fabrics and Skyscrapers
Massachusetts based solar upstart Konarka has developed a low cost thin-film solar material that may one day revolutionize solar power.
We all know that traditional photovoltaic panels are a great way to harness the sun’s energy and provide power to the grid. Such panels, however, are limited in application due to their high production cost, fragile nature and sheer size. Could you ever imagine wearing a solar panel in order to charge your cell phone or iPod? Probably not. This may soon change due to an innovative new solar film developed by solar upstart Konarka.
The material, called Power Plastic®, is a lightweight, flexible and inexpensive source of power for portable devices and structures. While Power Plastic® is currently being used in handbags and patio umbrellas to charge portable devices, Konarka hopes to perfect a translucent version of the product within the new few years.
The solar film is made by printing a secret polymer ink onto thin filmstrips using a converted Polaroid press. When light contacts the film, the ink emits electrons and generates an electric current.
Power Plastic® has several advantages over traditional photovoltaic technology including a higher efficiency at low light levels, the ability to flex to a 2-inch diameter and an extremely low production cost. The flexibility factor means that the solar film can be integrated into new materials such as fabrics.
Maybe one day we will be able to charge our portable devices simply by slipping them into the pocket of our solar powered outerwear. Once a translucent version of the material is finalized, perhaps skyscrapers will be made with Power Plastic® windows capable of powering the entire building.
The only drawback that I can see in such a material is that its current shelf life is only about 5 years. This may not be much of an issue since the material is inexpensive and can be easily replaced.
Source: Konarka.com | cnn.com
Photo: Konarka.com
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January 30th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
I saw this on Discovery Science a while ago. The company was founded in 2001. I wonder what the hold up is on getting this stuff out there.
January 30th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Steve: The holdup is that this technology is what they -hope- to do, not what they can definitely do. This stuff may never appear.
February 1st, 2009 at 9:24 am
Well, at least it has potential. But I don’t think clothing will have it.
I think we, if this comes off the ground, will in fact enable us to go solar VERY cheaply!
February 13th, 2009 at 4:34 am
I think it’s definately a step towards the future…
March 16th, 2009 at 8:29 am
Something like 99% of new tech never makes it to the commercial stage due to numerous unforeseen problems ranging from technical to business practices. That is the reason venture capital gets big returns.
We just have to hope and support those who do seem on track to be successful. Someone will make it.
November 8th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Are you listed on any exchanges??
December 16th, 2009 at 4:36 am
[...] Curtain walls earned their name because although they are the exterior walls of a building, they do not need to be strong enough to support its structure. They are made possible by modern construction and design methods which place the load-bearing work on internal supports. Curtain walls are responsible for the modern “glass tower” look, but until now glass has been a major source of energy leakage in buildings. Now Konarka and Arch Aluminum are set to stand the equation on its head, and turn a glass wall into an energy-generating canvas for Konarka’s film-and-ink lightweight solar panels. [...]