What if you could print solar panels on your InkJet printer for a fraction of the cost of paying someone to install silicon-based solar cells on your roof? Well, you might not be printing them yourself, but you should be able to buy printed solar panels fairly soon.
Oregon State University researchers have come up with a technology similar to that commonly used to print documents and photos.
They say their method is quicker and less expensive than traditional solar cell manufacturing techniques.
It could also reduce raw material waste by 90%, they add.
If we put our minds to it, we can overcome our dependence on dirty energy sources. There is a lot of work being done. An English firm is working to create solar steel that absorbs sunlight and then uses it to power buildings. They’re hiring.
Obama understands this and he’s promoted these kinds of jobs consistently by visiting plants where new technologies are being developed. But, politically, too many politicians represent oil, gas, and coal interests, either because their home states extract those energy sources or just because they like to take Big Energy’s campaign contributions.
But, whether the U.S. is the leader in the new energy field or not, this work is ongoing and it will eventually win out.
