The US has created a 'paper' that turns any surface into a solar panel.

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have created a new photovoltaic material that can turn any surface into a solar panel. This material is thinner than a human hair. This was reported by El Diario 24.

The photovoltaic material has proven to be 18 times more efficient than traditional solar panels in terms of energy per unit weight.

How the new technology works

This photovoltaic material, often referred to as a solar 'carpet', can be applied to rooftops for renewable energy generation. One of the main advantages of this material is its light weight, allowing it to be used where the installation of conventional solar panels would be problematic.

This material can be used for sails on boats, drone wings, tents, and many other options. It can also be used on building facades, balconies, or in other small-scale applications. The solar material is particularly useful for rural or remote areas where access to other energy sources is limited.

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology applied a film of polyethylene with a thickness of only a few micrometers to a plastic sheet. This layer provides electrical insulation and protects against corrosion that could be caused by moisture or chemicals.

Then the development team applied a set of solar cells to the polyethylene plastic sheet using printed ink from various materials. The entire structure of the material is only 2-3 micrometers thick. The edges of the material were sealed with glue to protect the layers, after which the material was applied to a lightweight, durable fabric and this fabric was peeled off, transferring the solar modules to the fabric surface.

When assessing the new solar cell technology, performance conversion efficiency and cost in dollars per watt are typically considered. However, an equally important metric is integrability - the ease with which the new technology can be adapted, the developers explained.