Paper-thin solar cells to turn any surface into a power source

30 Dec 2022 CW Team

MIT researchers created an ultra-thin, ultra-light solar cell that may be used to convert practically any surface into a solar power source. The flexible solar cells are far thinner than human hair and are attached to a lightweight cloth to make installation on any fixed surface easier.

The current version of the novel lightweight photovoltaic (PV) cells, according to Vladimir Bulovi, lead author of the article on the research published in the journal Small Methods, is not as efficient in power conversion as silicon PVs, but they weigh significantly less. In the medium term, they would not be utilised to replace traditional silicon PV installations, but rather to provide power in areas where silicon PVs are difficult to instal.

Bulovic goes on to say that they can be utilised to transmit solar energy to remote locations. Because our PV modules are 18 times lighter per Watt generated than silicon PV modules, they may be readily shipped and installed in remote areas. As technology advances, it will achieve the efficiency currently achieved by silicon PVs. The flexible PV modules can then be regarded as a replacement for silicon PVs.

To construct this unique solar cell technology, the researchers employed nanoparticles in printable electronic inks. They employed a "slot-die coater" to deposit layers of electronic materials onto a 3-micron thick substrate. They then used a screen printing technique to print an electrode and deposit it on the substrate to complete the solar cell. At this point, the printed module is about 15 microns in thickness, and researchers can peel off the plastic substrate to get the device. For comparison, human hair is around 70 microns thick on average.

Also read
Steel imports from Russia jump over 400% in Apr-Nov period
Lokayukta Bill passed by Maharashtra assembly

Real Estate

05 Sep 2025

Vitizen Hotels Signs Deal at Manyata Tech Park

Vikram Kamats Hospitality, as part of its ongoing expansion in key metropolitan markets, announced that its material subsidiary, Vitizen Hotels, has signed a long-term lease agreement for a 45-key hotel property at Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru.Strategically located in the city’s prominent IT hub, the property is well-positioned to serve corporate travelers, business professionals, and long-stay guests. The addition aligns with the company’s asset-light growth model, leveraging long-term leases to expand its footprint in high-demand urban markets.The hotel is expected to strengthen the comp..

CONCOR Signs MoU with BPIPL to Operate Container Terminal at Bhavnagar Port

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure (BPIPL) on September 4, 2025, in New Delhi to operate and maintain the upcoming container terminal at the northside of Bhavnagar Port, Gujarat.BPIPL had earlier entered into an agreement with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) in September 2024 for the port’s development. Under this arrangement, 235 hectares of land has been leased to BPIPL for 30 years, with provision for expansion by an additional 250 hectares.The new terminal is expected to significantly enhance logistic..

Concord Launches India’s First Indigenous Zero-Emission Rail Propulsion

Concord Control Systems (CCSL), a leader in embedded electronics and critical rail technologies, has announced the development of India’s first fully indigenous zero-emission propulsion system, marking a significant step toward the country’s railway electrification and net-zero goals for 2030.Powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and featuring a DC chopper-based drive, the propulsion system eliminates idling losses common in diesel engines, offering higher efficiency, lower costs, and zero emissions.What sets this innovation apart is its completely indigenous design. Except for..