The future of solar could be flexible

Lead author and CSIRO Principal Research Scientist Dr Doojin Vak. (Image: CSIRO)

Imagine solar panels that are as easy to apply as wallpaper or wrap around a curved roof, offering clean energy in places once unthinkable.  Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has taken a giant leap towards turning this vision into reality with their record-breaking, flexible solar cells.

What’s the big deal?

Traditional solar panels are rigid, made with silicon, and can be bulky to install. CSIRO’s breakthrough relies on ‘printable’ solar cells:

• Roll-to-roll production: These cells are manufactured on thin plastic using printing techniques similar to those used for newspapers. This drastically increases production speed and lowers costs.
• Ultra-thin and lightweight: The flexible nature of these cells offers unprecedented versatility in where they can be installed.
• Record efficiency: CSIRO has achieved new heights in how efficiently these cells convert sunlight into electricity, boosting their real-world potential.

The revolutionary possibilities

This breakthrough could change the game for how we think about solar energy:

• Expanding solar’s reach: Cars, wearables, portable shelters, and even curved surfaces could incorporate solar power, harvesting energy where traditional panels couldn’t.
• Remote power solutions: Imagine lightweight, easily transportable solar power for off-grid communities or disaster relief – no heavy equipment needed.
• Integrating solar seamlessly: Buildings and structures could incorporate solar cells directly into their design, maximising energy production without clunky installations.

Leading the charge

Dr. Anthony Chesman, leader of CSIRO’s Renewable Energy Systems Group highlights, “CSIRO’s thin and light-weight solar cells are now on the cusp of emerging from the lab to create clean energy in the real world.” This puts Australia at the forefront of a revolution in solar technology.

The path ahead

The next step is commercialisation. As CSIRO actively seeks industry partners to scale up the technology for mass production, it’s thrilling to think that in a few years, we might see solar cells as commonplace and versatile as a roll of tape!