Flexible Solar Panels Stack Cells on Sheets Printed Like OLEDs

Flexible Solar Panels Stack Cells on Sheets Printed Like OLEDs Solar panels are finicky devices-they have to be specially mounted, angled, and presented with the precisely correct environmental conditions to function at capacity. This, and the fact that the panels can be cut to size, reduces production costs. The panels also employ two stacked layers of solar cells arranged in a patented tandem cell construction, which can absorb a broad spectrum without relying on thick wafers of silicon. And, under less-than-ideal conditions, the panels can generate as much electricity as conventional solar panels. Developed by Heliatek in Germany, the panels are composed of organic modules embedded on a polyester sheet. The panels can be deposited on a single continuous roll of film, which eliminates the need for clean rooms. The technology is still more expensive per watt than current generation solar technologies, though the company expects costs to drop as production ramps up. " The technique results in a panel that's more flexible, lightweight, and versatile than a conventional, rigid panel. In another concept, Heliatek could build the panels directly into a building's roof and facade, so that the entire structure produces electricity. Flexible Solar Panels Stack Cells on Sheets Printed Like OLEDs Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 26/04/2012