[extropy-chat] Spray-On Solar-Power Cells Are True Breakthrough

[Giu1i0 Pri5c0]

If reliable, this news item is very significant and could mark the
transition of solar energy from nice experiment to viable operational
alternative to fossil fuels.
Scientists have invented a plastic solar cell that can turn the sun's
power into electrical energy, even on a cloudy day.
The plastic material uses nanotechnology and contains the first solar
cells able to harness the sun's invisible, infrared rays. The
breakthrough has led theorists to predict that plastic solar cells
could one day become five times more efficient than current solar cell
technology.
Like paint, the composite can be sprayed onto other materials and used
as portable electricity. A sweater coated in the material could power
a cell phone or other wireless devices. A hydrogen-powered car painted
with the film could potentially convert enough energy into electricity
to continually recharge the car's battery.
The researchers envision that one day "solar farms" consisting of the
plastic material could be rolled across deserts to generate enough
clean energy to supply the entire planet's power needs.
"Flexible, roller-processed solar cells have the potential to turn the
sun's power into a clean, green, convenient source of energy," said
John Wolfe, a nanotechnology venture capital investor at Lux Capital
in New York City.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/01/0114_050114_solarplastic.html