The BBC reports on a new study by Chinese researchers regarding the development of a new generation of solar cells. Manufacturers have long used silicon to make solar panels because the material was the most efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. But organic photovoltaics, made from carbon and plastic, promise a cheaper way of generating electricity. The new solar cells can be compared to OLED technology, which is currently widely used for high-end TVs, and offers a wide range of possibilities. According to the researchers, they could be used on the roofs of cars, and in clothes, even in glasses to charge your phone while you are out and about. Furthermore, they offer huge potential for buildings as they are lightweight so might be ideal for deploying on the roofs of houses in developing countries where structures might not suit heavy silicon.
Read the full article on bbc.com
See our Solar Visuals here.
