CSIRO facility launches flexible solar technology for broad real-world use
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Oct 30, 2024
Australia’s CSIRO has inaugurated a new $6.8 million facility in Clayton, Victoria, with the mission of advancing its flexible, printed solar technology from the lab into practical, real-world applications, addressing the mounting need for renewable energy solutions across diverse industries.
Unlike traditional silicon-based solar panels, CSIRO’s flexible solar cells are printed on ultra-thin plastic films. This innovative approach results in solar cells that are both lightweight and portable, ideal for a range of uses spanning urban infrastructure, space exploration, defense, mining operations, emergency response, disaster recovery, and wearable tech.
Professor Elanor Huntington, CSIRO’s Executive Director of Digital, National Facilities and Collections, highlighted the importance of the new Printed Photovoltaic (PV) Facility, describing it as a core addition to the agency’s infrastructure designed to foster new industries, particularly the growing flexible solar manufacturing sector in Australia.
“Through CSIRO’s new Printed PV Facility, industry partners can access both researcher expertise and specialised equipment to improve and apply flexible solar technology in novel ways, anywhere there is sunlight,” Professor Huntington said.
“It’s exciting to see the techniques that enabled another great CSIRO invention to now be available to partners in industry to make a difference in Australia and globally.
“This not only offers incredible opportunities for Australian manufacturers but also contributes to addressing global energy challenges and advancing the transition to net zero.”
Dr. Anthony Chesman, leader of CSIRO’s Renewable Energy Systems Group, emphasized that printed flexible solar technology is designed to complement – not replace – existing silicon rooftop solar panels.
“This printed solar technology unlocks entirely new applications for affordable, versatile, and sustainable energy generation,” Dr. Chesman said.
The solar cells are fabricated using a specialized material known as perovskite, which is applied to flexible films in long, continuous rolls.
“Our new system is highly automated. The multiple printing and laminating steps are performed in a single continuous operation, which significantly cuts down on production costs and the upfront investment needed to get started,” Dr Chesman said.
“Our team has also developed an automated system that can produce as many as 14,000 test solar cells a day to fine-tune their design and performance.
“We’re looking for partners who want to join us on the R and D journey and ultimately take this technology to market.
“Our industry partners will gain access to both our cutting-edge equipment and our team of world-class scientists with their deep expertise in solar technology.”
Beyond printed solar, the facility is equipped to expand research into other applications involving printable materials, such as battery and hydrogen technologies, which could unlock even broader potential uses.
Earlier this year, CSIRO set a new efficiency benchmark for its flexible solar cells.
Dr. Chesman urged interested organizations to reach out to explore partnership opportunities.
Related Links
CSIRO Printed PV Facility
All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com
