Here Comes the Sun

Bill Machon

Researchers at the New Jersey Institute of Technology are combining Buckyballs (fullerenes) and carbon nanotubes to create organic solar cells that can be painted on existing structures, according to an article in Science Daily. There is no limit to the size of the cells or panels, and they are incredibly efficient. It's also much cheaper, and could one day be printed at home by consumers on ink-jet printers. In an industry where cost seems to be the primary factor for slow growth, this new development could kick-start a real alternative energy revolution.

Photo by Trp0, used under a Creative Commons licence.