Solar technology for consumer products

Hoping to speed up the implementation of solar energy technology in everyday products, a a Lowell, MS, based company, Konarka, plans to embed an organic type solar energy in clothing, windows, and building facades.

Konarka says it is ready to distribute its new solar power technology on consumer products after Summer. The company will initially market a product range consisting mainly of gadgets, smart cards, and lights. It has implemented the technology into inkjet printer products.

Swiss academic Michael Gratzel is the original inventor of the dye-based solar technology mentioned here. The solution is more robust than regular photovoltaic panels, Gratzel claims. The dye cells are composed of titanium oxide nanochrystals that absorb light. Subsequently, the dye is immersed in electrolyte. This releases electrons as soon as light is cast on the surface. The electrons create positive charges as a result of lost electrons. The titanium dioxide transfers this electricity to an electrical circuit.