A Great Advance in Solar Technology!

Leave it to MIT to give us some break-through technology in solar power!  One of the most expensive things about solar power is the cost of the inactive components - the material (usually glass) that the cells are put on, and the structure that supports it.  Not to mention the costs associated with installing it.  

Photo from MIT News, by Patrick Gillooly

A team of researchers at MIT have discovered a way to actually print solar cells on paper!  Of course, there is still a long way to go -  currently it can only power a small electronic device, but now that they have a method down they can work on improving it!  The cells have to be printed in a vacuum (which isn't that big of a deal in factory settings, it's actually pretty common).  They can be coated to help protect them from the elements.  And best of all they can be folded and unfolded and not lose a significant amount of power!

Can you imagine having window shades with solar cells facing the outside?  Or a retractable awning on your back porch that could actually power fans and radios when it was in use?  Maybe we aren't too far away!

I'm so excited about all of the progress that solar power has been making, I can't wait until it's an affordable solution for everyone!!