Cambridge University-Low Cost Organic Solar Cells

Cambridge University has teamed up with a British enviromental group called the Carbon Trust to start developing and manufacturing plastic solar cells. The company is called "Eight19." The company takes it name from the time it takes sunlight to travel to earth-8 minutes and 19 seconds. Approximately $7 Million dollars has been raised and invested in the new startup.

They've found a way to produce low cost organic photovoltaics or solar cells made from semiconducting plastics. They are now able to fabricate large scale plastic electronic devices on flexible materials using roll to roll processes.

By placing the organic cells in plastic rolls they're reducing the cost of the manufacturing process. They're also not hampered by traditional PV toxicity and limited materials. Another benefit is solar contractors will have an easier time installing rolls of plastic solar cells compared to installing panels.

Sir Richard Friend, co-founder of Eight19 says "Solar cells made with organic semiconductors work very differently to those made with silicon and are closer in operating principle to photosynthesis in green plants.”

One of the applications for this material would be transparent sheets placed on windows allowing homeowners to use solar power from the window area rather than their rooftops.

More at Cambridge Universities Cavendish Laboratory Site.

The Carbon Trust.