Paper-thin solar cell can turn any surface into a power source

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[Albtraum_TDDC]

"The specific power of our integrated fabric-PV modules is 370 W kg−1, weighing 105 g m−2, while the free-standing devices had a specific power of 730 W kg−1, and weigh 52 g m−2."
From the paper, if someone wants to work out the Watts/m²

38.85 Watt per square meter for the integrated fabric-PV modules?
37.96 Watt per square meter for the free-standing?
Normal Solar Panels produce 150 Watt per square meter.

So this is for the light weight solution, when you care about weight. For stationary panels it's 4 time more efficient to use normal solar panels.

[vishank]

If anyone wants to learn a little more about the fabrication method used here, it is called slot-die coating. It's pretty cool stuff!

[Enginmann]

This is very clever and has a lot of potential
Keep going

[Rikz]

This is the type of innovation and progress that is actually worthwhile.

[brabes]

I would love to see this intergated into disaster relief tents, and on the consumer side of things this would be a nice integration into products like cell phone screens, laptop/tablets screens, etc. Just image this solar film being under you devices screen charging your device as it is exposed to light. It may mot keep up with full discharge but it would be nice to be able to get that power back when the device is not in use

[cetocoquinto]

Way to go MIT! This will change the world. Cheers from philippines

[erick_ac]

I don't think we should be using a per-gram metric to showcase power efficiency, it should be, as always, area covered. You cannot advertise that a 1m2 1kg old cell is less efficient than a 1m2 100gr cell., or that it's 10 times more efficient because the weight is not a factor in energy generation.
Still surprised by the achievement and I wonder, would there be repercussions in the climate if for example all of the world was covered in solar cells?

[interesting]

If there is a way to prevent sand grains from falling over it, miles and miles of it can be glued to deserts.

[BitSmythe]

0:00. Applies here, as well as to regular labels. If you don’t want it to curl, lay in on a surface. Instead of peeling the label from the backing, flip it over and peel the backing from the label.

[spagocci]

Compliments to you, awesome result, incredible working skill.

[SJR_Media_Group]

*_GREAT MINDS AT WORK..._*

Over 30 years ago I came up with idea of 'additive' printing of computer circuit boards. In traditional process using masks and etching copper away wastes 95 percent on blank boards. Laser and ink jet printers only apply circuit path where needed. This MIT breakthrough is really exciting. Someday everyday items can have solar charging. Thin cell batteries can also be produced that are flexible and lightweight. Also thin and flexible display panels are coming soon. Your TV could be rolled up and stored away when not needed.

[lostinhell]

What about the ratio of power generation per unit surface area of this one compared to conventional one.

[punkdigerati]

"The specific power of our integrated fabric-PV modules is 370 W kg−1, weighing 105 g m−2, while the free-standing devices had a specific power of 730 W kg−1, and weigh 52 g m−2."
From the paper, if someone wants to work out the Watts/m²

[williamlouie]

Like many break through technology it will take many years before it's commercially available. It will either be available after few years or it will quietly disappear.

[interesting]

All governments of the world should pour in bundles of currencies to fix any remaining issues and buy miles and miles of these solar cells ASAP. Clean Energy is the Prime Goal for Humanity now. Wind Turbines use awful lot of Steel and Space. May be we can all walk with Shirts and Pants made of this?

[myuncle]

Hot air balloons made with this material could collect sunshine above the clouds, and be tethered to the ground via cable.

[Theist]

Großartig! Danke MIT! Würde sofort mein Ersparts investieren!

[georgefowler]

Turn it this way for up and turn that way for down . MIT needs this

[marcelorolle]

Excellent. What is the efficiency by surface/area?

[wojciechm]

Perovskite solar cells are commercially available in Poland, check Sauletech