Since their inception into the sustainable scheme of things, printable solar cells have the advantage of being mass produced, and that too at a more cost-effective rate than conventional solar cells. Taking this asset into account, Australian researchers (with its already well developed state of solar infrastructure) are looking forth to conceive a $7.2 million project regarding production of printable solar cells. The green proposal entails the usage of recycled printing machines and organic materials for manufacturing these cheap, yet effective solar cells.
Already supported by the Australian government in form of a $1.7 million grant from the Australian Solar Institute, the project was envisaged by the collaborative effort of University of Melbourne, the CSIRO Future Manufacturing Flagship and Monash University. It should be noted that CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization) had previously helped in the creation of a newer, yet more flexible and light type of solar cell which could be printed out like money.
The scope of this project includes a broader spectrum of contributors including noted globally leading corporations, such as BlueScope Steel, Innovia Films and Bosch. From the researcher’s perspective, this collective approach is being taken so as the simplistic manufacturing process conforms to a standard industrial procedure. By this way, such printable solar cells could be produced on a more commercial scale. More importantly, their applicability would be enhanced especially in relation to the domestic context, such as coating for roofing or even as covering for window openings.
Via: IBTimes
