University of Texas designed spray-painted solar cells
Solar Cells Sprayed on Roofs
University of Texas Chemical engineers are currently looking for new ways of designing and building solar cells, in such a way that they could be spray-painted on roofs, windows, and walls. Harnessing the power of the sun could in the near future be a lot closer at hand than it is today.
Existing conversion technologies are still comparatively expensive, and they offer low efficiency rates. Spray-on solar cells could provide much more electricity, while at the same time being cheaper, and a lot easier to apply. If experts manage to develop inexpensive, spray-on paints, then both initial and maintenance costs could drop considerably, making the technology available to more people. This could help reduce the strain placed on existing power grids, and also the amount of electricity that needs to be generated by burning fossil fuels, including coal and oil. The work is being supported by the US National Science Foundation (NSF).
Contact www.utexas.edu