Nanosolar Prints Photovoltaics, Proves Cheaper Than Coal?

Photovoltaics, the technology of converting sunlight into electricity, has been around for many years. One of the biggest drawbacks to capturing the sun’s energy has been cost. The high price of manufacturing solar panels has slowed down mass market adoption. Let’s hope that is about to change with the latest round of solar panel innovation: thin film technology (mentioned on Ecolect in September).

Nanosolar appears to have a winner, combining the tried and true process of printing, with a thin metal foil substrate. The ink is a proprietary formula based on nano-materials. The exact cost savings of Nanosolar’s product are unclear, but one estimate comes in at 9 times less than the price of traditional solar panels making it cheaper than coal energy.

They’re seriously funded, and have clearly been working hard on preparing for mass manufacturer; plants in San Jose, CA and Germany total 647,000 square feet. We’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Nanosolar over the next few months!

Via www.celsias.com