Eco Factor: Organic photovoltaic cells could be worn as solar energy generators.
Researchers at the University of Southern California have produced graphene/polymer sheets that can be used to create dense arrays of flexible organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. OPV cells have been proposed as a means to achieve low cost energy due to their ease of manufacture, lightweight and compatibility with flexible substrates.
OPV devices aren’t as efficient as silicon-based solar panels. Researchers believe that on a sunny day about 1000W per meter square is provided by the sun and while silicon-based solar panels can use it to generate 14W of clean power, OPVs can generate only 1.3W. However, since OPVs are extremely inexpensive, they can be used in energy-generating curtains or shirts that can power electronic devices whenever the wearer is in the sun.
Via: USC [Press Release]
