How Solar Panels Work With The New “Paper Thin” Cells?

Aug. 3, 2011 - PRLog -- Scientists at MIT University have now developed a new thinner and more flexible solar cells that can be printed out on any paper sheet to generate renewable energy. This brings us endless possibilities to generate electricity from solar energy.

Solar panels built out of pure silicon are still the best and most popular solution for our households, however. Their only downside is the cost of production and thus higher price points. That’s why we are seeing emerging technologies like “Thin film” solar panels to lower panel prices and replace the older solar panels.

U.S. researchers say that new technology could allow the solar industry to transition from difficult and expensive installations to lightweight and cheaper renewable installation solutions for your home.

As mentioned this new technology allows utilizing solar cells on plain, untreated paper. For example newspaper or tracing paper. The paper can be molded and shaped into any form and still generate power, although the power output is lower when compared to unfolded paper. Researchers are even stating that these cells are durable and long lasting.

Extremely Thin solar panels would be a great application for lightweight rooftops, that can’t handle a lot of weight. Even standard rooftop materials could benefit from thinner solar cells as we could embed them directly into materials.

Current solar panel products requires good protection against moisture and other environmental changes. While paper thin panels can be installed on laptops, mobiles devices or walls to generate watts of energy, they can also withstand moisture, rain and other climatic damages.

There is confidence in the industry that newer technologies and solutions will make its way into commercial products. This will allow ordinary people to finally tap onto solar energy, easily, says site owner, Nebojsa Djekanovic. You can follow this development in thin layer solar panel cells at http://how-solar-panels-work.com.