SCIENTISTS at Osaka University in Japan have developed new highly efficient solar panel “paper” technology made from wood pulp.
The ground breaking material is lighter, more flexible and eco-friendly than traditional clunky solar energy collectors and can generate and store energy from the sun.
Because of its basic components (15 nanometre thick transparent cellulose fibres made from wood pulp and silver wiring) the solar paper can be less than one millimetre thick.
The solar paper has the same efficiency rating of 3% of some solar panels (ones that use glass), but a much lower rating than typical ones used commercially and domestically.
The university team is looking to commercialise the design as an alternative to traditional solar panels within the next three years and claim because the PV paper is cellulose-based it can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
A spokesperson for the EcoExperts said: “It is incredible the developments being made in the solar industry. Not only is the technology becoming more and more advance it is also continuing to drop in price, meaning in some countries it is cheaper and more efficient than traditional coal or diesel power.
“While the efficiency rating of solar paper is not as high as traditional PV panels, we have no doubt in our mind the team in Osaka will soon be able to develop something that does.”