---
title: "MIT engineers develop paper-thin solar cells to turn any surface into a power source"  
description: "MIT researchers create solar cells that are so thin they may be used as a power source on any surface."  
author: "Muskan Singh"  
published: 2022-12-29  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/news/2662/mit-engineers-develop-paper-thin-solar-cells-to-turn-any-surface-into-a-power-source  
category: "science and technology"  
tags: ["technology", "technology news", "science and technology", "research"]  
reading_time: 2 minutes  

---

# MIT engineers develop paper-thin solar cells to turn any surface into a power source

[**Researchers**](https://www.mindstick.com/news/2450/self-building-robots-that-can-develop-into-larger-machines-are-created-by-mit-engineers) at MIT have created an ultrathin solar cell that generates electricity 18 times more efficiently per watt than traditional silicon photovoltaic [solar panels](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/98383/how-can-we-make-solar-panels-more-affordable).\
[Researchers](https://www.mindstick.com/news/2450/self-building-robots-that-can-develop-into-larger-machines-are-created-by-mit-engineers) at MIT have developed an ultra-thin and ultra-light solar cell that can be used to turn almost any surface into a solar [power source](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/114959/what-breakthroughs-are-needed-to-make-fusion-energy-a-viable-widespread-power-source-globally). Since the flexible solar cells are much thinner than human hair and are linked to a thin fabric, mounting them on any solid surface is made easier.

The current version of our innovative lightweight photovoltaic (PV) cells is less efficient at converting power, despite being significantly lighter than silicon PVs. According to Vladimir Bulovi, main author of the study that was published in the journal Small Methods, in an email to indianexpress, they would be used to augment current silicon photovoltaic systems rather than to replace them in the [short term](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/51362/what-are-three-short-term-causes-of-the-cold-war).\
For instance, they could be used to deliver [solar power](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/44303/how-to-hire-a-trusted-commercial-solar-power-company-for-your-commercial-property) to isolated areas. **Our PV modules are easier to deliver and instal in [remote areas](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/113766/what-are-the-most-effective-ways-to-ensure-quality-education-for-students-in-remote-areas) since they produce electricity while being 18 times lighter per Watt than silicon PV modules.**

When our [technology](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/13005/the-functional-aspects-of-laser-technology) develops, we expect it to match the efficiencies currently generated by silicon photovoltaics. **Then, said Bulovic, our flexible PV modules can be considered an [alternative](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/2324/what-is-the-alternative-to-the-mvc) to silicon PVs.**\
Researchers created this novel solar cell by utilising nanoparticles in printable electronic inks. They used a 'slot-die coater' to deposit layers of electronic components onto a substrate that is only 3 microns thick. They used a screen printing technique to print an electrode and adhere it to the substrate, completing the solar cell.

Now that the **printed module is about 15 microns thick, researchers can take the plastic substrate off to get the gadget. In contrast, human hair is usually 70 microns thick**. However, due to its susceptibility to tearing and other forms of damage, this exceedingly thin isolated module is difficult to deal with. To [solve this problem](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/94681/my-google-assistant-shows-completely-different-search-results-from-what-i-ask-how-can-i-solve-this-problem), the researchers turned to a material known as Dyneema, a special kind of fabric with a low weight per square metre.

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Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/news/2662/mit-engineers-develop-paper-thin-solar-cells-to-turn-any-surface-into-a-power-source

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